In the interest of transparency and public accountability, The Sanders Firm, P.C. is releasing the complete record of the Department Trial in NYPD v. Detective Specialist Jaenice Smith — including both closing submissions and the official trial transcript.
This case was never about theft, fraud, or falsification. It was — and remains — about the misuse of internal procedures to override federal, state, and city anti-discrimination laws.
Detective Specialist Smith disclosed her caregiving and medical circumstances, sought guidance through her command, and relied on the authorization of Assistant Chief Scott M. Henderson — her superior officer — in full compliance with law and policy. What followed was not discipline grounded in evidence, but retaliation disguised as accountability.
The Department Advocate’s closing submission, though forcefully written, fails to address the controlling legal framework governing this matter. It substitutes internal City of New York and NYPD Administrative [Patrol Guide] provisions for statutory mandates under:
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5)(A);
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The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(3); and
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The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-107, 8-130.
Each of these laws imposes an affirmative duty on employers to provide reasonable accommodations and prohibits retaliation “in any manner” against those who seek them. The Department’s argument that internal paperwork supersedes statutory law is legally unsustainable.
Throughout the hearing, the Department presented no witness at or above Assistant Chief Henderson’s rank to testify that he exceeded his lawful authority, violated any written rule, or acted outside the scope of his command discretion. The absence of such testimony speaks volumes.
The record shows that Detective Specialist Smith acted in good faith, under direct supervision, and in compliance with medical necessity. The Department’s attempt to criminalize a lawful accommodation — while ignoring its own statutory obligations — represents a troubling misuse of disciplinary power.
To ensure the public has full access to the truth, all filings and the certified transcript are now available below:
📄 Download: Respondent’s Closing Memorandum
📄 Download: Department Advocate’s Closing Submission
📝 Download: Official Trial Transcript
At The Sanders Firm, P.C., we believe in sunlight as the best disinfectant. Transparency is not an act of defiance — it is a civic duty.
Internal policies do not and cannot supersede the rule of law.
Discipline may enforce order — but the law enforces justice.