Officer Rosen was eventually fired for using “unreasonable” force. Arbitrators typically consider a set of questions, including: Was the officer disciplined similarly to other department officers who behaved similarly? Instead, Officer Rosen was suspended for three days and given back pay. Some felt chained to past practices and unable to fire officers for improper behavior if prior chiefs had set more tolerant standards. Chiefs and reform advocates say that even one high-profile reversal can send a devastating message to the public — that a chief doesn’t control discipline, and that seemingly dangerous behavior will be tolerated.

Source: New York Times December 22, 2020 16:07 UTC