Q. What is police brutality?
A. Police brutality is generally defined as the use of excessive or unnecessary force while dealing with a civilian and the public. It extends to cover many other premises like false arrests, police misconduct, verbal abuse, sexual assault, as well as the improper use of tasers.
Q. Who are the victims of police brutality?
A. Many people think only minorities are victims of police brutality and racial profiling. Any individual, regardless of age, gender, background, or race, may be a victim of police brutality. If you or your loved ones have been victims of police brutality even though you cannot see any reason why you were picked on or the center of attention, call an experienced police brutality attorney.
Q. What are common police brutality cases?
A. Police brutality cases cover a wide range. Some of the most common police brutality cases include:
- Physical abuse by a police officer
- Sexual abuse by a police officer
- Intimidate or use of terror during an arrest
- False arrest
- Attempted arrest without a warrant
- Attempted arrest without probable cause
- Racial profiling by police
Q. What should you do in the event of police misconduct / brutality?
A. Note the date, time and location of the incident. Note – but do not ask for – the name, badge or car number of the officers involved. Note the physical description of the officers.
Q. What should you do when confronted by a police officer?
A. Stay calm and be courteous. Don't be rude or curse at the officer. Take off your headset, or turn down your music. If asked, give your name and address. You don´t have to answer any other questions.
Q. What actions should I NOT take when speaking with a police officer?
A. Don’t say, “I know my rights”, “I´m going to file a complaint/sue”, or “I pay your salary.” Don't resist or fight if you're going to be arrested even if the cop is wrong, or he/she doesn't tell you why.
Q. If injured in a police misconduct/brutality incident, what should be done?
A. Make a note of the names of any witnesses to the incident. Take photographs of any visible injuries that you have. Visit a medical professional to document these injuries. Contact an experienced police brutality attorney for an immediate consultation to find out what your next steps should be.
Q. What should I do if the police officer denies any wrongdoing?
A. Don’t argue with the police officer. Simply file your complaint with the police department and the local District Attorney’s office. Police brutality attorneys can help you every step of the way.
Q. What steps should be taken after a police misconduct / brutality experience?
A. Contact a civil rights attorney or group immediately. If criminally charged, don´t speak until you have consulted a defense attorney.
Q. How much money can I receive for damages?
A. You may be able to receive compensation for any expenses that you have incurred attributed to police brutality like reimbursement for doctor’s fees, medical tests, and lost wages. You can also claim damages like pain and suffering as well as emotional distress. The amount that you stand to gain depends on the strength of your case. Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP. has achieved the largest settlement in a police brutality section 1983 case in the entire state of Minnesota.
All questions were obtained by the following websites:
http://www.policebrutalityattorney.net/police-brutality-faqs/
http://www.shuttlesworthlasseter.com/police-brutality-excessive-force-civil-rights-attorney-al/police-brutality-lawyer/police-brutality-faqs/#what
http://www.michiganlegalcenter.com/areas-of-practice/police-brutality-misconduct/faqs/