PHILADELPHIA, PA, February 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When a police officer uses unnecessary and excessive physical force, they are violating the rights of American citizens and abusing the power given to them by law. According to the United States Code, any person who is working under a state law enforcement body cannot violate the civil rights of citizens. If an officer engages in police brutality, they can be held liable for any injuries or losses the victim sustains.
Some cases of police brutality are widely known, but thousands more never receive media attention. Any time a law enforcement officer abuses his or her authority and causes a person undue suffering, it is affront to society as a whole. Police officers should enforce, not abuse the law. We trust them to protect us from aggressors - not to be aggressors themselves.
False Arrests
One of the most common abuses of police power is detaining or arresting people for no reason. Police are only allowed to detain a person on the grounds of "reasonable suspicion." In other words, an officer must have probable reason to suspect that the person has committed a crime. Unfortunately, some police officers will use their power to arrest people for their own reasons, ignoring the need for reasonable suspicion.
If you have been falsely arrested, you may have the right to seek compensation from the officer who wronged you. On many occasions, false arrests are accompanied by excessive force. If you were injured because of police brutality, an experienced civil rights attorney can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Police Shootings
Police officers should only draw their weapon as a last resort. Strict conventions exist that govern exactly how and when police officers are allowed to use their weapons to stop a suspect. The majority of police officers understand and recognize the seriousness of using a firearm and refrain whenever possible. Others, however, are less careful.
Police shooting cases can be complex, as the laws that apply to these situations are often confusing, but a good police brutality attorney can help you pursue an effective claim.
Judging Police Brutality at a Glance
Here are some questions to ask yourself if a police officer uses force against you:
- Did you suffer an injury?
- Were you completely cooperating with the officer?
- Were you stopped for a good reason?
- Was the officer's use of force unprovoked?
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