Over the past few years, there has been increasing coverage of police misconduct in the media. Police officers are employed to uphold the law and keep the public safe, but not all of them do their jobs. Many of the victims in these situations have been able to file lawsuits and were awarded compensation for their injuries. When police overstep their bounds and harm rather than help people, they should be held accountable for their actions.
Police Brutality
When a police officer uses unwarranted or excessive force on a citizen, it is known as police brutality. Police are only allowed to use force if it is absolutely necessary. Even when they are allowed to use force, a police officer should only use as much as force as is needed to get the situation under control. Examples of police brutality include:
- Physical assault—punching, kicking or throwing someone to the ground
- Choke holds—they’re prohibited, but the use of choke holds persists
- Wrongful shooting—shooting an unarmed suspect or an innocent bystander
- Improper taser usage—tasers can be effective tools that prevent the use of deadly force. However, if a taser is misused, it can cause severe injury or even death.
- Attack by a police dog—it is excessive force when the use of the police dog was unnecessary
- Injury or death in police custody—physically abusing an individual in custody, failing to protect the individual, or denying them necessary medical treatment.
- Sexual Abuse
Racial Profiling
People of color and members of other ethnic minorities often feel uncomfortable in the presence of police. This is understandable given the blatant displays of racial profiling and discrimination by police that we see in the news. The law is clear. You cannot be pulled over, detained, or arrested simply because of the color of your skin or because you are a member of an ethnic minority.
False Arrest and Imprisonment
When a police officer arrests and detains a person without probable cause, the police officer has violated this person’s civil rights. To have probable cause, the officer must have a reasonable, objective belief that you have committed, or are in the process of committing, a crime.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of police misconduct, you should have a personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español