2003

Original Bulletin announcing creation of the Use of Firearms Board of Inquiry (Later renamed Firearms Discharge Board of Inquiry). Collection of Attorney Sydney Schulman

The updated FDBI guidelines include an expansion of the cases which require investigation, clearly established protocol and responsibility, widened eligibility for civilian members, and payment for such members.87  

In January, Murtha’s shooting of Gonzalez sets the stage for a contempt motion that would be filed under Cintron in 2004. After Murtha shoots Gonzalez in the arm twice, the officer and a union representative claim that Gonzalez had been trying to run Murtha over in his car. Footage from a nearby police vehicle later reveals that Gonzalez’s car was in fact driving away from Murtha. The police union allegedly helps Murtha revise his statement to corroborate the newly introduced evidence. The shooting raises the issue of violations of both FDBI as well as the terms of Cintron, and relatedly the appropriate procedures for investigating police use of firearms (documents 1-21 and 1-22).88

Notes

87. Report of Stipulation for Modification of Consent Decree, Cintron, et al v. Vaughn, et al, 3:69-cv-13578-KAD (D.
Conn. August 29, 2003).
88. Recommendations and Findings of Fact Re: Firearms Discharge Board of Inquiry Issues Section V: Alleged
Violations of the Various Consent Decrees, Cintron, et al v. Vaughn, et al, 3:69-cv-13578-KAD (D. Conn. February
18, 2009).