Sam Geddes
Service Record
Utica New York Police Department
| Rank | Officer, Sergeant (2007)[1] |
| Badge Number | 3295 |
| Dates of Service | Hired October 8, 2001.[1] |
| Salary | $90,019 (2020)[2] |
| Last Known Status | Administrative Leave[3] |
Commendations
Geddes personnel file contains several letters of commendation and some disciplinary actions.[1]
2003 Commendations for Honorable Service
On June 5, 2003, Geddes received several commendations.
On September 7, 2002, Geddes and other officers arrested a burglary suspect.[2]
On February 12, 2003, Geddes and other officers were able to convince a suicidal man to obtain help.[2]
2005 Commendations for Honorable Service
On May 26, 2005, Geddes received several commendations.
On January 7, 2005, Geddes and other officers arrested an man suspected of firing several gunshots.[2]
On March 25, 2005, Geddes and other officers responded to a robbery that included five hostages. Two suspects were arrested.[2]
On May 12, 2004, Geddes pulled over a vehicle and found a handgun and drugs.[2]
2006 Commendations for Honorable Service
On May 31, 2006, Geddes received several commendations.
On July 29, 2005, Geddes arrested a man on a minor offense, but found a handgun and drugs.[2]
On August 25, 2005, Geddes and other officers arrested an armed suspect during a surveillance operation.[2]
2007 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 24, 2007, Geddes was commended for his actions on June 29, 2006, when Geddes and other officers arrested two burglary suspects.[2]
2008 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 22, 2008, Geddes was commended for his actions on April 24, 2007, when Geddes and other officers arrested a suspect in a drive-by shooting.[2]
2010 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 21, 2010, Geddes was commended for his actions on September 23, 2009, when Geddes and other officers arrested an armed burglary suspect.[2]
2011 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 20, 2011, Geddes was commended for his actions on January 31, 2011, when Geddes and other officers investigated and contributed to the arrest of a robbery suspect.[2]
2012 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 25, 2012, Geddes was commended for his actions on October 13, 2011, when Geddes and other officers assisted in the investigation and arrest of two armed suspects.[2]
2012 Lifesaving Award
On May 25, 2012, Geddes received the department's Livesaving Award for his actions on January 20, 2012, when Geddes prevented an intoxicated and suicidal man from jumping off a bridge.[2]
2018 Commendation for Honorable Service
On May 24, 2018, Geddes was commended for his actions on November 6, 2017, when Geddes and other officers arrested a man suspected of an armed home invasion.[2]
Incident Reports
2005 Death of Walter Washington
On July 5, 2005, Geddes and another officer were dispatched for a man who would not leave the residence of his ex-girlfriend. They encountered Washington, who did not follow commands to stop. Washington ran and, with the officers in pursuit, pulled what appeared to be a black handgun from his belt and pointed it at the officers. Washington refused orders to drop the weapon, and Geddes shot Washington, killing him.[2]
The weapon was later determined to be a BB gun.[2]
Response Timeline
On July 6, 2005, Geddes was placed on administrative leave.[2]
The District Attorney determined that the officers' actions were reasonable and justifiable.[2]
2019 Policy Violation
In 2019, Geddes was issued a verbal warning for failure to activate his body-worn camera.[2]
2020 Pepper Spraying of Melissa Henderson-Patterson
On August 23, 2020, Officer Donald Talerico responded to a larceny call from Henderson-Patterson ("Henderson") who reported that her medication had been taken. Henderson requested a supervisor, and Geddes responded. During the investigation, Geddes and Henderson began yelling at each other, leading Henderson to throw a garbage bag at Talerico from her balcony. Geddes attempted to pepper spray Henderson.[4][3]
The incident was captured on body-worn cameras.[4]
In Geddes' 2019 Performance Evaluation Report, his supervisor noted that Geddes "can be a little abrasive with members of the public who accuse his officers of wrong doing".[2]
Response Timeline
The department launched an investigation.[3]
Geddes was suspended for 30 days without pay.[4]
On October 13, 2020, the District Attorney ruled that the use of pepper stray was lawful.
After the city's investigation was concluded, the city sought to terminate Geddes for use of excessive force and conduct unbecoming an officer.[3][1]
Geddes fought the termination, which was referred to arbitration.[3]
After the initial suspension, Geddes was placed on administrative leave.[3]
On April 18, 2022, the arbitrator found Geddes guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer. The excessive force charge was not upheld. Geddes was ordered to be suspended for an additional 5 days, and to complete instruction on anger management and de-escalation.[3]
LEO Ratings
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Use of Force Investigation, Oneida County District Attorney, 2020-10-13
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 Personnel File, Utica Police Department
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Utica police sergeant reinstated following excessive force investigation, WKTV, 2022-04-22
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Utica Officer Involved Incident, WUTR, 2020-09-29
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