According to city sources, Brizzolara did not tell them to perjure themselves, but he did coach them. Attorney Tom McIntosh, who represents both Bretza and Van Otterloo, said Brizzolara pressured Van Otterloo to "recall something he did not remember at all." Van Otterloo told Brizzolara he could not testify to something he did not recall, "and he didn't," McIntosh said Tuesday.
Brizzolara and Binkley also purportedly attempted to force the commanders to take a stress-related leave of absence.
Police and City Hall sources say other complaints being reviewed by Hankla's office include charges that Binkley has treated officers unfairly, has tried to control what they say publicly about him and the department, and has even dictated which community groups his command staff should join.
