Though we should all be able to rely on police to keep us safe from harm, law enforcement officers are just as capable of making poor decisions as anyone else. This means that, unfortunately, police officers can participate in wrongful conduct while on duty and often civilians may suffer injury as a result. If you have been a victim of any type of police misconduct, you have certain legal rights to recover for your injuries and you should no hesitate to contact an experienced police brutality attorney in Philadelphia today.
4 Common Forms of Police Misconduct
The following are some examples of police misconduct that commonly result in injury.
Police assault and abuse
Some officers are willing to use a variety of tactics to wrongfully assault, abuse, or intimidate a civilian. Some of these tactics include the following:
- Verbal abuse, threats, and offensive language
- Unwarranted physical attacks
- Unwarranted or excessive use of a taser or firearm
- Intimidation using police vehicles or dogs
- Misuse of chemical weapons
Many victims of police brutality end up with severe and completely unjustified physical and emotional injuries.
Discrimination
Everyone has equal rights in regard to fair treatment by law enforcement officers. Racial profiling and targeting individuals of a certain race, religion, or other protected group is unlawful and should not be tolerated. Harassment by police officers based on protected factors is also against the law and you should discuss your case with an attorney. Discrimination and harassment may also exist within a police department.
Sexual assault or harassment
There are, unfortunately, cases of sexual assaults that occur involving police officers harassing or abusing other individuals, including minors. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of sexual misconduct while a police officer is on duty, that officer should be reported and held accountable immediately for these wrongful actions.
False arrest
The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution affords individuals the right against unreasonable search and seizure, which means police cannot simply detain, search, and/or arrest individuals haphazardly and for no reason. If an officer wrongfully arrests you or conducts surveillance on you without the proper warrant and authorization, your rights Constitutional rights have been violated and you deserve to recover.
Contact Brian Zeiger To Start a Police Misconduct Lawsuit
If you have been the victim of any type of police misconduct, an experienced police brutality lawyer at the Zeiger Firm in Philadelphia can help you stand up for your rights to recover for any injuries you suffered. Police should be held accountable for wrongfully injuring civilians, so please do not delay in contacting our office at (215) 825-5183 to discuss a possible case today.
