In Yolo County we have had several cases recently where we have had the actions of our law enforcement officers called into question.
This is where local government sometimes gets messy. It is also where you will find one of the biggest opportunities to protect taxpayer money.
In the most recent case we had an individual that voluntarily checked himself into a group treatment facility. This man was 44 years old, weighed more than 300 pounds, and was less than six feet tall. He did not have drugs in his system but had a history of psychological and physical issues.
When he checked himself out of the center the next day the staff called the police for a "welfare check". He was approached by officers. Due to whatever reason the officers ended up taking the guy down. He was hit with a Taser several times. After the officers cuffed him they realized he was not breathing and administered CPR. He died on the scene.
Things like this happen. Here is an article about the results of the autopsy report.
So this is what I think it wrong. The attorney for the family wants the taxpayers of the City of Woodland pay the family. The reality is that the City of Woodland probably will be forced to.
The last line in the article from the civil right attorney is what has set me off. He is not looking to fix anything. He is looking for deep pockets to seek some sort of financial gain for the family.
If the police investigation shows that the officers on the scene did something wrong then the City of Woodland can change the training in the Police Department. Yet, no amount of money will bring this guy back to his family. He was a 44 year old intern. What sort of economic damages does the family really have?
If the investigation shows that the officers did not do anything wrong then I do not believe the family is owed anything in terms of financial support from the people of Woodland.
Cases like this happen all over California. The common thing to do is to settle and just move on. I believe it is time for local governments to stand up against these lawsuits to deter them from happening. Don’t settle.
In the end, some cities and counties may lose a few big cases but if it would deter some of these from being filed millions of dollars would be saved.
Taxpayer advocates often focus on water rates, local bond measures, and other fees. The place they should focus with the best opportunity for impact is the settlement of lawsuits. It is going to take a group of tough public officials to make this stand but it has to be done.