Ohio Cop Throws Woman, Town Pays $1M Settlement for Excessive Force

Excessive Force Lawsuit in Ohio

• ⚖️ Jennifer Miller filed a federal lawsuit against Brookfield Township, Ohio, accusing police of excessive force and violating her constitutional rights after being thrown to the ground during booking.
• 💰 Miller sought $1 million in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, for physical injuries, emotional distress, and legal/medical expenses.
• ⚠️ The lawsuit also claimed the township failed to properly train officers on arrest procedures and use of force, requesting court-ordered policy changes.

Incident Details and Police Response

• 🌃 In November 2023, Miller was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and, upon refusing to enter a cell, was thrown to the floor by Officer Cody Dean.
• 🤷 The police department's internal investigation cleared Dean, citing Miller's intoxicated state, resistance, the officer's technique, and her high-heeled footwear as contributing factors.
• 🥋 Miller described the incident as a martial arts-style throw that knocked her unconscious, claiming she posed no threat and suffered substantial pain and distress.

Legal Precedents and Settlement

• 🏛️ Legal experts noted Miller had a strong case, as settled law prohibits police from using force to take a suspect to the ground unless they pose an imminent physical threat.
• 🗣️ Courts have ruled that refusing to enter a cell or police car does not justify physical force.
• 🤝 The settlement amount has not been publicly disclosed, but the Brookfield Police Department is implementing new policies, including keeping handcuffs on prisoners until they are in the cell and considering different flooring to prevent slippage.

Broader Implications and Related Cases

• 💡 The commentary suggests officers should undergo de-escalation training and understand the law, emphasizing that police are not entitled to use physical force due to frustration.
• 💸 Taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of police settlements through insurance premiums, which are expected to rise for Brookfield.
• 🚨 The video also briefly mentions a separate $10 million lawsuit in Florida against police for arresting the wrong man at a Walmart.