People expect the police to protect them and make them feel safe but in many cases, police brutality leaves them feeling exactly the opposite. Police departments, like any other large department, can hire people who are unsuited to the position.
The events following the death of George Floyd last year demonstrated once again the alarming trend of police violence, particularly against minority and other vulnerable groups. The US Department of Justice has already had to sanction a number of large metropolitan police departments for issues with excessive force.
What is police brutality?
When police behave in an excessively violent manner or harass suspects, they are violating civil rights. The law prohibits police officers from discriminating against individuals based on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity.
When an officer goes beyond ‘reasonable’ force to detain someone, the person has a right to seek legal assistance. Victims of police brutality can contact police brutality lawyers at USAAttorneys.com and schedule a free consultation to discuss their options.
Probable Cause
Police officers are allowed to stop someone and ask simple questions. However, they need probable cause – a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity – to stop and frisk someone. They need probable cause to search a vehicle, enter a building, or arrest a suspect. Without a warrant to search a property, entering it and searching is regarded as police misconduct.
Police only get a warrant if there is probable cause of criminal activity. American citizens have rights when it comes to search and seizure. Police officers can seize illegal substances if they are in plain sight. Otherwise, they need probable cause to conduct a search.
Malicious prosecution
Police officers are not allowed to single out specific citizens and go after them. This is against the law and every action they take has to be reasonable and documented.
While interactions with police officers may be emotional and intense, that is not an excuse for them to violate someone’s civil rights or abuse their position of power. Those who are victims of police brutality have a responsibility to take action to help reduce this problem which has caused ongoing suffering.
Recovery for all damages
Victims can suffer deeply harmful effects from police brutality. This may include physical injuries, time off work, lost wages, disillusionment and reputational harm. Just because someone did not suffer permanent damage or broken bones as a result of police brutality does not necessarily mean they can’t pursue justice. Sometimes the emotional damage can be worse than the physical damage.
Understanding what is actionable is often difficult for victims, especially as police officers are allowed to use “reasonable” force. They enjoy certain protections as police officers not afforded to ordinary citizens. This is why consulting with an attorney is so important in police brutality cases.
How can an attorney help?
Victims of police brutality often feel as though they’re fighting against impossible odds. Not only have their civil rights been violated but police officers are known to protect one another in such situations and may deny any responsibility. Attorneys can determine whether a victim has a good case or not and have the resources to go to trial if necessary.
Victims of police brutality are protected by federal law and experienced attorneys know how to defend them. They stop at nothing when it comes to obtaining justice for their clients. It usually costs nothing to hire personal injury attorneys as they get paid only if a case is successful. Their earnings are a percentage of the favorable settlement or jury verdict they obtain.