Case dismissed against Granite City Police Department

Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth on Nov. 7 signed an order dismissing a personal injury case filed against the Granite City Police Department.

In his original complaint, Richard Hennemann alleged at least three police officers attacked him as he waited in the booking area of the Granite City Police Department on May 5, 2010. His suit named the city, and officers Raymond Takmajian, Dean Bastilla and Gene Wilkinson.

Hennemann filed a response to defendant Granite City Police Department’s motion for a protective order June 15.

The police department had requested a protective order, limiting dissemination of officers’ personnel files to anyone other than a party, witness or consultant pending litigation against it.

Henneman’s response to the city’s request for a protective order stated that there must be some demonstration that a protective order is warranted.

The defendant officers’ personnel files are public records and are subject to Freedom of Information Act requests, Hennemann said. Any investigative materials, citizen complaints, or disciplinary materials are also public record, since they relate to the performance of the officers’ public duties, his response said.

According to the city’s motion filed in June, a protective order was appropriate because of the sensitive nature of the city’s personnel files.

In its defense, the city, Takmajian, Bastilla, Wilkinson and unknown Granite City police officers, claim Hennemann resisted arrest, attempted to escape and fought with officers.

Hennemann was represented by Thomas Lech of Runge and Lech in Collinsville.

Ronald Roth and Roth Law Offices represented the Granite City defendants.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-428