DENVER — A police recruit who faced life-altering injuries after a rigorous training session at a Denver police academy is taking legal action, claiming he was pressured to participate in a dangerous hazing ritual. Victor Moses, 29, alleges in his lawsuit that he suffered multiple collapses during fight training, which ultimately led to the amputation of both his legs.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, describes an incident during the “fight day” training last year in which Moses was physically overwhelmed by aggressive officers. He claims he was pushed down repeatedly, struck his head on the floor, and was encouraged to continue despite voicing serious health concerns, including low blood pressure and cramps—symptoms exacerbated by his sickle cell trait.
Despite these alarming signs, paramedics reportedly cleared Moses to rejoin the training, a decision he alleges was made to uphold the police training program. The rigorous training practices in question are criticized for fostering undue violence and injuries among recruits, contributing to a culture where excessive force is tolerated.
Experts indicate that the type of training described is not uncommon in police academies nationwide and can sometimes lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Notably, the Denver Police Department has refrained from discussing the allegations, citing ongoing litigation.
Moses’ lawsuit highlights that the training exercises are not only physically taxing but also potentially harmful, showcasing an environment where recruits feel compelled to endure physical strain to be accepted into the policing community. The suit indicates that such practices have led to significant financial liabilities for the Denver police, alongside reputational damage.
Attorneys for Moses have stated that the aggressive nature of “fight day” encourages brutality among police officers and fosters a culture of indifference to the injuries sustained during training. They emphasize that had safety measures been enforced, Moses could have avoided his severe injuries.
The legal action also claims that during a critical moment when Moses lost consciousness, training did not stop, comparing the situation unfavorably to protocols observed in sports like football or boxing, where a head injury would have halted play immediately.
Currently, Moses is adapting to life after his amputations, working to regain mobility with prosthetics while dealing with chronic pain. Reflecting on his ordeal, he questions the necessity of the training methods employed and expresses a deep sense of loss for his former life and career aspirations.
As this legal case unfolds, it raises crucial questions about police training practices and the inherent risks faced by recruits in the pursuit of service.
