Ohio Woman Settles Excessive Force Lawsuit Against Brookfield Police

Excessive Force Lawsuit Settlement

• 📌 Jennifer Miller has settled an excessive force lawsuit against the Brookfield police department, the township, and Officer Cody Dean.
• 💰 Miller originally sought $1 million in compensatory damages plus punitive damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, and legal/medical expenses.
• ⚖️ The lawsuit claimed Brookfield Township failed to properly train officers on arrest procedures and use of force, and Miller requested court-ordered policy changes.

Incident Details and Police Response

• ⚠️ The incident occurred in November 2023 when Miller was arrested for OVI and refused to enter a cell.
• 💥 Officer Cody Dean threw Miller to the floor in a martial arts-style throw, knocking her unconscious.
• 🤷 The police department's internal investigation cleared Officer Dean, citing Miller's intoxication, resistance, footwear, and the officer's action as contributing factors.
• 👠 The internal report notably blamed Miller's high-heeled boots for contributing to her fall.

Legal Precedents and Police Accountability

• 🚫 Legal experts stated police are not allowed to use force to take a suspect to the ground unless they pose an imminent threat.
• 🗣️ Court rulings indicate that refusing to enter a cell or police car does not justify physical force.
• 👨‍⚖️ The Brookfield Police Department and Chief Aaron Kasowitz declined to comment on the settlement.
• ⚠️ Chief Kasowitz acknowledged Officer Dean may not have handled the prisoner with due care, calling the incident a