City & Philadelphia Police Settle ADA Suit

The United States of America settles their ADA Action against the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department. 

A full copy of the settlement agreement can be viewed here: USA and City Settlement Agreement.

The U.S. Department of Justice initiated an investigation of PPD upon receiving a complaint alleging that PPD failed to provide effective communication to a deaf individual during his arrest and detainment.  In the course of this investigation, the United States interviewed deaf individuals—ranging from detainees to crime victims—who contend that PPD denied them effective communication.  The United States also interviewed PPD representatives and reviewed PPD’s policies and practices relating to the provision of auxiliary aids and services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Following this investigation, the United States determined that PPD engages in discriminatory practices that deny individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with full and equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from PPD’s programs, services, and activities, including by:

1. Failing to take appropriate steps to ensure that communication with individuals with disabilities is as effective as communication with others;
2. Failing to provide auxiliary aids and services necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf;
3. Failing to give primary consideration to an individual’s requested auxiliary aid or service of choice and failing to provide an equally effective alternative;
4. Inappropriately relying on a crime victim to interpret for the victim’s deaf roommates;
5. Failing to sufficiently train PPD staff and officers on how to assess the need for auxiliary aids and services and to secure auxiliary aids and services; and
6. Failing to notify courts that detainees are deaf prior to video arraignments held at PPD facilities.

The United States set forth its findings of fact and conclusions of law in a Letter of Findings issued on December 7, 2016.

The City and Police Department are required to pay a $97,000.00 fine and institute non-discrimination policies to protect ADA Rights.  Training will be provided by the United Sates of America to the City and the Police Department.

If you believe that your civil rights have been violated by the City of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia Police Department, contact Robert Maizel who is an expert trial attorney specializing in discrimination actions.

Robert Maizel is an Experienced Trial Attorney in Philadelphia, Pa. with over fifteen years of trial experience. 

I personally represent my clients and take your case to win! You will speak to an attorney about your case!

We have offices located in both Center City Philadelphia and Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.  Attorney Robert Maizel serves as Of Counsel to the Law Offices of Saffren & Weinberg.

Call us at 215-287-3452 to schedule your free consultation.