Denver City Council on Monday approved $41,000 in payments to settle lawsuits claiming the city’s police force and sheriff’s department committed civil rights violations.
One payment for $25,000 puts to rest . A former inmate had said deputies allowed tier porters to pat down other inmates, and he was humiliated to be fondled and kicked while deputies laughed.
Two deputies were fired and a third quit amid an internal investigation into the hazing.
In the second settlement, the city will pay $16,000 to a woman who reported a Denver Police Department officer for entering her apartment without permission. He violated her Fourth Amendment right that protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. The officer was escorting electric company workers who were taking down an unauthorized meter, but he went into the house when no one answered his knock.
The settlements were without discussion during a block vote on multiple resolutions.
