A high ranking member of the Schenectady Police Department has been demoted to patrol officer.

A civil suit was filed by a woman who claims longtime Lieutenant Mark McCracken became violent with her while she was in custody.

That report alleges McCracken used excessive force against the woman, and then took a photo of her head injury.

According to another lieutenant, McCracken showed him the photo and said "this is what happens when someone hits on my men."

McCracken -- who's been on paid leave -- was also charged with criminal contempt in connection with an incident with his estranged wife.

Spectrum News reached out to his attorney who says McCracken was hugging his son goodbye after a hockey game, and that an Albany County Supreme Court judge amended the order to clarify that McCracken did not violate any "stay away" provision in doing so.