Police misconduct seems to be a disturbing regular occurrence that is only recently being acknowledged in the media. After the unarmed teenager Michael Brown was shot and killed in Missouri, anger was sparked across the nation this summer. The fact that Brown was killed in broad daylight, in the middle of the street, and not holding a weapon speak to the brutality of the shooting. Around the same time, Eric Garner died in New York after being placed in an unnecessary chokehold by police.
Then, Los Angeles experienced police misconduct and an officer-involved shooting when the LAPD shot and killed two people in August. One of the victims was Ezell Ford, a 25-year old man who is said to have been lying on the ground and cooperating with officers before he was shot.
As tragic as these officer-involved cases are, many people are unrightfully violated and have their rights mistreated by police every day. Less dramatic ways police misconduct occurs by law enforcement can take the form of intimidation, racial profiling, physical violence including beatings or unreasonable baton or taser use, sexual assault or harassment, planting evidence, coercing confessions, or false arrest.
While many of the recent shootings have involved African Americans and white police officers, no one is immune to disorderly police conduct and violence. We are committed to helping victims of police misconduct find justice. If you have experienced what you believe to be police misconduct, you may make a constitutional claim, a civil tort claim, or a state criminal claim.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice.
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