Perhaps she could have opted that route; assuming she wouldn't then be harassed at home, have her tires slashed, get pulled over for 'broken tail light', 'running a stop sign' or other harassment issues. We all know that a cop can 'harass' individuals - it's not a secret and it's not unheard of either.
This sent a message, loud and clear to the department. Perhaps she was harassed previously? Perhaps the Department has a habit of 'looking up hotties' and doing this sort of crap. We don't know if this cop did it every day, to everyone in the neighborhood - or if this was his first abuse of power. But, at the end of the day, this was clearly an "Abuse of Power".
If she drops the case, the message will be sent. If she keeps the case open - the message will be sent to every cop .... every where. Personally, I like this sort of thing. My private and confidential information is to be kept private and confidential - or someone is gonna pay. If I wanted my private residence displayed for public consumption, I'd have it printed on my car door, or listed in the phone book. Those people I know, who I want to know where I live; are informed of my home's location, personally, warmly and confidentially.
you assume a lot ...
You originally asked what else could she have done. According to all the information presented - she got a note on her windshield and filed a federal civil rights complaint - there is no mention of any threats, any contact, nothing.
So, she COULD have done the things I mentioned first ...
As to HIS actions - definately not in order.