A lawsuit filed against the New York Police Department (NYPD) accuses officers of using excessive force during an encounter with a woman experiencing a mental health crisis.
The complaint, filed by Kristin Merone in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on December 20, 2024, claims the City of New York and several officers violated Merone’s civil rights during the incident.
The lawsuit details a confrontation on January 14, 2022, when NYPD officers allegedly seized Merone outside her ex-boyfriend’s home in Staten Island. Despite being informed by her family of her mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and anxiety, Merone claims the officers broke and dislocated her elbow.
The complaint argues that the use of force was excessive, as Merone posed no threat to herself or others.
It also highlights systemic issues within the NYPD regarding its treatment of individuals with mental health disorders, alleging violations of policies designed to protect emotionally disturbed persons (EDPs).
Merone seeks damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for what she describes as “brutal and malicious unconstitutional conduct.”
The complaint also notes that, according to the NYPD Patrol Guide, officers are required to wait for supervisors before taking action in such cases. However, the officers allegedly escalated the situation unnecessarily.
One of the officers involved has faced multiple civilian complaints, raising concerns about accountability within the department. Merone was not charged with any crime but was instead handcuffed to a gurney while in severe pain from her injuries.
The lawsuit also points to broader systemic issues within the NYPD’s handling of EDPs. It references a January 2017 report from the New York City Office of Inspector General for the NYPD, which criticized the department for longstanding deficiencies in handling mentally ill individuals.
Critics argue that despite efforts at reform, such as the Crisis Intervention Team training initiated in 2015, these changes have not been fully integrated into day-to-day policing.
Merone is seeking compensatory and punitive damages against all defendants involved. She also requests an injunction requiring the NYPD to revise its policies to ensure the humane treatment of people experiencing mental health crises.
Merone is represented by Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek, with attorney Michael Gluck leading her case. The case is identified as Case ID 24 CV 8730.