The trial judge acquitted Eskridge, 31, on July 22.
"Credibility is not with your police officer here today," Judge Peter Rogers said of Baker, according to the court transcript.
Baker is a 25-year veteran of the 436-member school police force, and regarded as a "good officer," according to his union president.
But the fact that Eskridge told Baker he wasn't a "real cop," according to testimony from a witness, led her to challenge his authority and played a role in the fracas.
Baker said he was upset that she "disrespected me twice," according to testimony from Newton.
Unlike city police, school officers are not authorized to carry weapons, or to make arrests. They do carry handcuffs and are able to detain students and others on school property for infractions.
As The Inquirer reported this year, they do not undergo psychological or drug screening, nor are they trained at the police academy.
The city and School District are now looking at upgrading screening and training requirements.
Newton testified that when she arrived on the scene, she believed Baker had assaulted Eskridge, who had a broken eye socket and a bruised jaw, her braces jammed into her gum. Her sergeant, however, ordered her to place Eskridge under arrest, she testified.
Eskridge subsequently hired a lawyer, who filed a notice in August that she will sue the district and Baker. She said he punched her in the face that day and beat her even after she was handcuffed while her 13-year-old son, Bysil, watched.
"This is not just about money," said her lawyer, Stephanie Sawyer. "We want him disciplined."
Chief Inspector Myron Patterson, who oversees school safety, said no action had been taken against Baker, and pointed out that city police detectives charged Eskridge - not Baker.
