City Pays Nearly $1.34M To Settle Police Excessive Force Lawsuits

DENVER (CBS4)- The City of Denver paid nearly $1.34 million in 2011 to settle police officer excessive force lawsuits.

That is the biggest payout for the Denver Police Department since 2004 when Denver settled a deadly shooting of a mentally disabled teenager.

The city attorney claims it's often cheaper to settle than go to court.

The average amount paid per officer per year to settle cases in Denver is less than $700.