LogFAQs > #961728172

Cop fired for punching a handcuffed suspect sues department

https://publicola.com/2022/01/10/former-officer-fired-for-punching-handcuffed-woman-sues-spd/

Since his firing, Shepherd argues in his lawsuit, there have been several high-profile use of force incidents that have gone unpunished or only resulted in short suspensions, which he views as proof that his firing was a disproportionately harsh consequence for his actions. In his lawsuit, Shepherd suggests that SPDs commanders may have singled him out because he is Black.
Shepherd also alleges that SPD improperly train[ed] him and then punished him for following instructions. In his lawsuit, Shepherds attorney cites a training officer who, during Shepherds appeal to an arbitrator, testified that officers were trained to react to a punch or a kick by hitting back.
SPOG is no longer involved in Shepherds case, and he is no longer seeking to return to SPD. Instead, Shepherd is only asking the court to order SPD to compensate him for his firing and its aftermath.