Over the last decade we have seen drastic reports of Police Misconduct altering lives, society, and taxes. What does this mean for the average taxpayer and how much of our funding is going towards these settlements?
In 2020 alone, the City of Portland spent $1.14 million in lawsuits filed to the Portland Police Bureau. Cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago document a median of about $2.5 billion in the last decade, with the average payment around $17,500. Very few cities track the settlement claims by name, making it difficult for officials to be aware of whose misconduct is repeatedly costing taxpayers. While million dollar settlements regarding allegations of police misconduct often make headlines, the average settlements go resolved with little or no publicity.
Although, this may seem like a small win to a larger problem; settling outside of court with law enforcement has kept this billion dollar industry thriving. Often times the cost of continuing the court proceeding without settlement is not cost effective for the attorney or the client. Even continuing the claim the attorney may give the client a choice:
If it’s a hung jury the attorney may decline to continue as his costs will outweigh the award received by the client.
Take the chance to continue where there may be a negative outcome such as losing and having to pay for the court cost for the misconduct of the police department. (Yes, its a possibility!)
TAKE a settlement.
The question is which would you chose given the options?
Comentarios