Civil Service Says Denver Officer Fired For Excessive Force Should Get Job Back

DENVER (CBS4) - A ruling by a Civil Service commission says a Denver police officer who was involved in an excessive force case should get his job back along with back pay.

Officer James Medina was fired from the Denver Police Department after video surfaced of him mishandling a female inmate. The takedown happened after she refused to remove her belt and shoes.

In a letter from Denver's Deputy Director of Safety ordering his firing, the department says Medina used "egregiously disproportionate" force against Seryina Trujillo and "placed Ms. Trujillo at great risk of serious bodily injury or death."

The Department of Public Safety released a statement Thursday saying it will appeal the decision.

"While we respect the authority of Civil Service hearing officers, we do not agree with the determination that Officer Medina's due process rights were violated. Given the facts of the case, we maintain termination is appropriate and will appeal the hearing officer's decision to the full Commission and request a stay of the officer's reinstatement and back pay until the appeal is heard," the statement said.