Atlanta
(2010-09-09)
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These women join in demonstations Sunday outside of the Atlanta Eagle, a Midtown gay bar raided by police Sept. 10th.
Photo by David Marshall for WABE.
The first involved charges of false imprisonment. The board found officers had no legal right to search, detain, and run criminal database checks on the 60+ patrons, because none were suspected of any crime.
The second issue, abusive language, wasn't so easy. Although both CRB investigators and the board agreed officers likely used abusive and homophobic language, they couldn't identify responsible officers. The board, unwillingly, agreed not to sustain those charges.
Because the maximum penalty is a three-day suspension, the board tabled disciplinary action. Members want tougher sanctions.
That pleases John Curran, and Eagle patron who filed a complaint. "We've been dealing with this for a year, and it doesn't seem fair they're going to miss three days of work," he said outside of Thursday night's meeting.
Meanwhile, APD's office of professional standards has completed its investigation. The findings have not been released. A federal civil rights lawsuit continues.
Jim Burress, WABE News.
© Copyright 2012, WABE
