http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/11/26/fhp-trooper-donna-watts-last-stand/
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“Watts has been forced to significantly alter her social activities and has in effect become a hermit.”
Arguing that her privacy rights have been violated, she is embarking on one of the largest federal lawsuits of its kind in the country.
Some cities and police departments have quietly settled. CBS4 News has confirmed the following payouts:
Margate – $10,000
Seminole County- $3,500;
Hillsborough County- $9,000;
Lauderhill- $7,500;
South Miami- $13,500;
Palm Beach Gardens- $4,500
Hollywood- $4,000
Village of Key Biscayne- $14,500.
Total so far – $66,500. But with some of the biggest departments still left – including Miami and Miami Dade – Watts’ claims might be worth hundreds of thousands more before it’s over.
Watts’ lawsuit and settlements have reverberated all the way to Washington, where the National Association of Police Organizations is pushing for a change in federal law that would essentially allow officers to access state motor vehicle records even when there is no legitimate law enforcement purpose.
“It’s not limited to South Florida but all over the country individual officers are starting to be sued by civil attorneys in federal court,” said Bill Johnson, executive director of NAPO.
While the officer could still be disciplined by his department, he doesn’t think they should be automatically fined every time they invade someone’s privacy out of curiosity. And he questioned the motives of someone like Donna Jane Watts who does sue.
CBS4 News requested an interview with Watts. In email, Watts explained her decision not to sit down, writing: “I already have a target on my back.”
In her email, Watts also revealed the struggle she’s been facing and why she is suing her fellow officers. “The lawsuit is not about the money,” she wrote, “but the invasion of my privacy by law enforcement officers in Florida, ranking officers included.”
She noted that people often complaining about the federal government – particularly the NSA – violating people’s rights, “but I’m suppose to roll over because it is police officers, my brothers and sisters. Bullcrap! Sometimes, the only way you get agencies to accept responsibilities and correct things is through lawsuits.”
She went on to write: “All of this has cost us financially and emotionally immensely, and all because cops chose to violate my privacy. Something is horribly wrong when I did nothing wrong but I’m the one having to relocate.”
As Watts continues her battle, Lopez is fighting to get his job back. He is appealing his firing and arbitrator should have a decision within the next 30 days.
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