THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9605010480
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
A federal judge has again ordered the reinstatement of Virginia Beach police officer Brendhan B. Harris, who was fired in 1993 after accusing his supervisor of obstructing justice.
Judge Raymond Jackson also awarded Harris $43,000 in back pay and $99,188 for ``loss of professional opportunity.''
Harris had sued the city, alleging violations of state and federal law. In 1994, a jury ruled in Harris' favor, awarding him $367,412. Jackson later reduced that amount.
In October, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the verdict on the federal claim, but sent the state claim back to Jackson for further action. Since then, the city has asked Jackson to dismiss the state claim also, or grant a new trial.
On Monday, Jackson upheld the jury's ruling that Harris was fired in violation of state policy, in retaliation for reporting an alleged wrongdoing by his boss. Jackson also reinstated the jury's damage award. It is not known whether the city will appeal.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
by CNB