New London Reaches Settlement In Police Discrimination Case

NEW LONDON, CT — The City of New London has reached an agreement with Police Lieutenant Cornelius Rodgers in a discrimination lawsuit.

Rodgers’ lawsuit was brought against the police department "based on the alleged conduct of the former police administration," according to a statement from the city.

In 2020, Rodgers filed a claim with the state that he was treated unfairly and disciplined because of his race, which triggered a city investigation. Rodgers had been disciplined for excessive use of force and suspended for 20 days.

The agreement between the two sides awards Rodgers $570,000, according to The Day. Rodgers will also have his disciplinary records purged.

The city wrote in a statement: "While the agreement to resolve the lawsuit does not represent an admission by the City of wrongdoing and the City continues to deny that it treated Lieutenant Rodgers unlawfully, the resolution of this lawsuit and this agreement does present a wonderful opportunity for Lieutenant Rodgers to continue moving forward in his career as a successful member of the New London Police Department with a clean slate by setting aside the discipline he received in February of 2020 for use of excessive force."

See related: New London Police Officer Makes Discrimination Claim