Despite it being the job of law enforcement to make people feel safe and secure, incidents of police brutality happen all too often, especially for vulnerable groups and minorities. People who have become the victims of police brutality may feel alone and unsure what to do next. Those who have been harmed by an officer are encouraged to obtain legal representation as soon as possible.
Police Brutality
Excessive or unwarranted displays of force by law enforcement against civilians is a violation of civil rights. Sometimes it can be difficult to know for sure whether brutality has occurred, which is why seeking legal advice is strongly recommended. Examples include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Assault
- Racial profiling
- Intimidation
- Verbal abuse
- Threats of violence
- Sexual abuse
- False arrest
- Coerced confessions
- Wrongful shootings
- Rape
- Inmate abuse
- Illegal seizure and search
- Wrongful death
- Falsified evidence
- Poor use of pepper spray, night sticks, and tasers
If you are the victim of harm at the hands of an officer, you may feel like you are up against impossible odds. Not only have your rights been violated, but you have to fight an institution that doesn’t always function with the highest moral ground and concern for citizens. It isn’t uncommon for a police department to cover up acts or deny responsibility. At the scene of the crime, a member of law enforcement may refuse to hold a fellow officer accountable.
Take action today by contacting a police brutality lawyer as quickly as you can, such as a legal professional from Johnston Martineau, PLLP.