Officer wins free-speech suit against Virginia county

By The Associated Press

02.09.02

Printer-friendly page

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Albemarle County police violated an officer's First Amendment rights when they barred him from criticizing the county, a federal judge ruled.

Police Chief John Miller and other officials had barred Officer Karl Mansoor from speaking out while on administrative leave.

But U.S. District Judge James H. Michael Jr. said in an opinion filed Feb. 5 that the gag order was excessive and "could potentially prohibit the plaintiff from telling his spouse about his day."

Mansoor's dispute with the department began in April 1997 when he criticized a proposed pay plan for the police department at a county Board of Supervisors meeting. He also accused County Executive Robert W. Tucker Jr. of making derogatory remarks about the police, which Tucker denied.

Mansoor said police targeted him after the meeting, denying him overtime work and training.

Mansoor began having panic attacks, which he said stemmed from work-related stress. Later that spring, Mansoor gave Miller a letter listing complaints and criticisms dating back to Mansoor's hiring in 1994.

Mark D. Obenshain, the attorney for Albemarle, said the county is considering appealing. He declined to say if Mansoor is still bound by the gag order.

"This case is not over," Obenshain said.

Update

Federal appeals panel: Virginia county wrong to muzzle officer's speech
4th Circuit upholds ruling by lower court that found county's gag order 'excessive' and unconstitutional.  02.05.03