A NYPD sergeant was caught on video using excessive force on protesters during a 2020 George Floyd protest. The Civilian Complaint Review Board reached a plea deal with the sergeant for him to forfeit 10 vacation days, but the NYPD Commissioner at the time, Caban, rejected the deal and imposed no discipline. Caban often overruled plea deals with the CCRB, reducing discipline for officers. This decision was criticized for hindering police accountability. Caban’s disciplinary practices and handling of cases have raised concerns about the lack of police accountability.
In a disturbing incident captured on video, a stocky NYPD sergeant forcefully shoves a female protester and body-slams a male protester during a 2020 George Floyd protest in Brooklyn. The sergeant, Bilal Ates, reached a tentative agreement with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to forfeit 10 vacation days to resolve the case. However, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban rejected the plea deal and let Ates walk without any discipline.
Caban’s actions in rejecting plea deals and reducing disciplinary penalties for NYPD members have raised concerns about accountability within the police department. Despite Mayor Eric Adams’ pledge to enhance accountability and uphold city laws, Caban consistently imposed lesser penalties than those recommended by the CCRB.
In one case, Caban rejected a plea deal involving an officer accused of restricting a man’s breathing and using improper force. This trend of leniency extended to cases where officers were found to have engaged in misconduct, such as using excessive force and failing to document complaints properly.
Following Caban’s decisions, questions have been raised about the lack of accountability and justice within the NYPD. The rejection of plea deals and reduction of disciplinary actions under Caban’s leadership have undermined efforts to hold officers accountable for their actions.
The incident involving Sergeant Ates, who had 61 allegations of misconduct over his career, highlights the challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability within the NYPD. Despite the CCRB’s findings of misconduct, Ates was able to avoid significant disciplinary measures, raising concerns about the department’s commitment to addressing police misconduct.
The rejection of plea deals and lenient disciplinary actions under Caban’s leadership underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability within the NYPD. As the department faces scrutiny over its handling of misconduct cases, there is a growing call for reforms to ensure that officers are held accountable for their actions and that justice is served for victims of police misconduct.
Source: TheCity.NYC
