Officer Brendan Sullivan fined for harassing Brooklyn resident over parked police cars complaint.
Officer Brendan Sullivan used various tactics to harass Paul Vogel, a Brooklyn man who had been complaining about police and Fire Department vehicles parking illegally in his neighborhood. The officer left a series of bizarre voice mail messages over a 10-month period, including imitating a seductive woman, panting, and making animal noises like dolphin sounds, seal barks, and sheep bleats. These messages were uncovered during an investigation by the city’s Department of Investigation in response to complaints about police retaliation against individuals reporting illegal parking.
The harassment incidents came to light after online news organization Streetsblog published stories about the allegations, with one article featuring Mr. Vogel’s account of the situation. Officer Sullivan eventually faced consequences for his actions, including a $500 fine from the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board and the forfeiture of 60 days of annual leave, amounting to approximately $25,000 in pay. The board determined that Officer Sullivan’s behavior was an attempt to deter a citizen from exercising his constitutional right to report government actions.
This case sheds light on the importance of addressing complaints about illegal parking and the need for law enforcement officers to uphold professional standards when dealing with public grievances. It also highlights the consequences of abusing power and retaliating against individuals who raise concerns about misconduct. By holding Officer Sullivan accountable for his actions, the city sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated and reinforces the importance of respecting citizens’ rights to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal.
Source: The NY Times
