Vineland Approves One Million Dollar Settlement in K9 Use Case

Vineland officials finalized a one million dollar settlement with Jose L. Paz Jr. for a 2018 arrest that alleged excessive force including a K9 bite. The City Council approved the payout on September 23, 2025, resolving claims that the arrest involved being taken to the ground, repeatedly struck, pepper sprayed and bitten by a police K9. Photographs and deposition material were cited in legal filings, and officers were reported to have had body worn cameras that were not activated or not functioning during the encounter.

The criminal case that followed the incident resulted in Paz pleading guilty to being under the influence of liquid PCP in connection with the event, while many other charges were dismissed. City and police accounts filed in response to the lawsuit cited prior interactions with Paz and described resisting behavior during the encounter. The settlement brings closure to a civil claim that raised questions about how force and K9 deployments are handled in Vineland.

For local taxpayers the settlement has immediate implications. The city payment will be part of municipal expenditures, and large civil settlements affect budget planning for policing, public works and other services. The case also sharpens public scrutiny of procedures for activating body worn cameras, documentation of K9 deployments, and the training and oversight provided to officers and canine handlers.

Community leaders and residents concerned about accountability and trust in local law enforcement can expect these topics to surface in future City Council discussions and policy reviews. The presence of photographic and deposition evidence in the legal record highlights the importance of clear, functioning recording equipment and prompt reporting standards. Changes in department policy, revised training protocols, or enhanced oversight are possible responses to reduce the likelihood of similar claims.

The settlement is a reminder that use of force disputes carry both human and fiscal costs. Vineland officials face the task of balancing officer safety, effective policing and community confidence while managing the financial impact of legal claims on the city budget.