Riders Police Scandal

Oakland, CA: (Oct-17-07) Keith Batt, a former Oakland police officer, brought a lawsuit against the city, claiming that he was forced to quit his job with the Oakland Police Department and suffered emotional distress while on the job. Batt was the officer who kicked off the "Riders" police brutality scandal that plagued the department for more than three years. Batt's allegations were made against four officers who patrolled the streets of West Oakland during overnight shifts. Batt said the officers made false police reports, beat suspects, and planted evidence on residents to trump up arrests. He stated that that his federal civil rights were violated when he reported police misconduct to superiors in 2000, and that he received threats and retaliation from at least one of the officers implicated in the misconduct case.

Although the case was slated for trial, and though the city did not admit any wrongdoing, it seemed in the best interests of both parties to reach a settlement rather than face the risks and costs of protracted litigation. As part of the deal, the city's insurance company agreed to pay Batt $625,000, ending the suit. [SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: POLICE SCANDAL]

Legal Help

If you have a similar problem and would like to be contacted by a lawyer at no cost or obligation, please click the link below.
Published on Oct-18-07