‘Occupy’ pepper-spray cop disciplined
Summary of story from UPI, October 19, 2011
The New York police commander who pepper-sprayed two Occupy Wall Street protesters (see WVoN story) has been disciplined for violating department guidelines, police said.
Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna will lose 10 paid vacation days.
His September 24 actions, when he sprayed several penned-in women, were captured on video and circulated widely on the Internet and cable TV.
The incident is seen as a defining moment in the protest’s early days.
Investigators found Bologna violated the department’s patrol guide, which says pepper spray should be used primarily to control a suspect resisting arrest, or for protection.
Pepper spray can occasionally be used for “disorder control,” but only by officers with special training, the guide says.