WOODTV News-Grand Rapids, Mich.
The city of Grand Rapids is facing a large payout after federal court says the city violated the civil rights of two former Grand Rapids police officers.
The verdict was returned on Monday.
Grand Rapids city officials will meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss their next move after the $5 million reward.
The court concluded that the civil rights of the two former officers, Renee LeClear and Patricia Denhoff, we’re violated.
The verdict comes just over a year after a Kent County Circuit Court judge found similar complaints filed by LeClear, Denhoff, and five other female officers were unfounded.
LeClear and Denhoff continued their fight in federal court, claiming the city violated their rights by ordering a psychological evaluation which eventually found them unfit for duty.
LeClear and Denhoff were each awarded $2.5 million in damages.
So far, neither of the two former officers or their lawyers have been available for comment.
While they held a new conference shortly after the state court ruling cleared the city of any wrongdoing last year, city officials sent out a news release after the federal verdict, saying they’re disappointed with the decision.
City Manager Kurt Kimball refused further comment. Although, Mayor George Heartwell did outline the next step to city commissioners during their morning session on Tuesday.
“As you are aware, there was a federal court jury decision yesterday that has significance to the city. And we’ve asked our legal team to come together following this afternoon’s session, and we will have an executive session with them to discuss this matter of litigation,” said Heartwell.
Also in the city statement, Police Chief Harry Dolan says, “I believe that I acted in good faith at the time and in the best interests of the department. Obviously, the jury saw those actions in a different light.”
24 Hour News 8 talked to one of the attorneys for the former officers who said if that’s the case why, when Chief Dolan became concerned, did he wait two months before ordering the psych exam.
“When somebody is genuinely perceived to be a danger, you don’t leave them on the street with a badge and a gun,” said Stuart Dowty. “You suspend them and take appropriate measures. He didn’t do that. He waited until the middle of January.”