New York City: A judge approved a settlement between the city and plaintiff Robert Bell of New Jersey.  Robert Bell agreed to drop his First Amendment and False Arrest claim against the city in exchange for $15,000.  Bell was arrested for giving three NYPD the middle finger.

Bell was represented by NPAP member Robert Quackenbush who said that while police officers have a tough job, they are expected “to exercise restraint in the face of criticism, polite or otherwise.”