If I file against police dept and the individual officer personally as well how do I present that claim ? Also I understand it needs to filed in federal court , can that be a federal claim in the county court where offense occurred or does that mean entirely different federal court location ?

You can file against the city police dept. and the individual. much better to file in state court and stay out of fed court as the course recommends for very good reasons. Depends on how close the fed court is to you on the location but almost all is done on paper/electronically.

Unless you have a very, very, very good case with all the evidence in your favor( and present the evidence properly) and make no mistakes you will loose and waste your time. The powers that be will likely hire, with seemingly unlimited funds lawyers who care little of truth and right. The judges are likely to view you as a pro se idiot (and you may be one like perhaps the rest of us) no matter what level you are performing at.

Unless right justice and truth are more important that your case and your life then do not start the case. If you are carful to present the truth and not mislead or hide it then do not start the case. If you are not willing to ever give up, then do not start? There are a lot of battles to fight in a world that has left off truth and the fear of God, be wise in picking your battles.
I have next to my computer a quote from proverbs 25:26 that helps me never to give up: "Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked."

Can you please provide an update on your situation?

Thanks!