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President of Cops N' Kids Long Island allegedly assaulted by a police officer while trying to assist a gunshot victim at a Dix Hills graduation party.

July 8, 2021

Cindy M. O'Pharrow, president of Cops N' Kids Long Island a nonprofit that pairs police officers as mentors to youth  intends to sue the county and its police department, alleging she was assaulted by a police officer while trying to assist a gunshot victim at a Dix Hills graduation party in June 2021.


"The way I was treated, physically and verbally abused by Suffolk officers and a Suffolk lieutenant, demonstrated to me that there's an urgent need to change the culture in Suffolk, which has allowed police to treat members of the community any way they want with no regard for professionalism or respect," O'Pharrow, who is Black, said Wednesday during a news conference at her attorney’s office. "This is especially true when it comes to the Black and brown communities in Suffolk County."


Frederick K. Brewington, O'Pharrow's attorney, filed the notice of claim — a precursor to a lawsuit — and O'Pharrow's police department complaint Tuesday. The claim alleged the officers' actions were a violation of her civil rights and that O'Pharrow suffered "serious physical injuries, monetary and emotional injuries.  A lawsuit is probable and likely unless Suffolk County wants to come with their apology and their checkbook," Brewington said."

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