Police Brutality: Legal Help for Police Misconduct Brutality Cases

What constitutes  "police brutality”?

Though police are legally allowed to use force if necessary, it should not extend to unreasonable force.  Police brutality is commonly defined as the use of excessive force.  This is not restricted only to physical attacks, but may include:

• Physical injury
• False arrest
• Verbal attacks
• Physical intimidation
• Psychological manipulation
• Sexual abuse

Although sexual abuse is not always grouped with police brutality, it can be defined as the use of excessive measures against a detainee.

Police Abuse: What to do if you are stopped while Driving

1. Think carefully. Choose your words and actions with care. Remain calm. Avoid quick movements.

2. Don't get into an argument or loose your temper. Anything you say or do can be held against you.

3. Don't run. Don't touch the officer. It can be used as a reason to arrest you.

4. Don't resist. Even if you are innocent, resisting alone is a reason to arrest you.

5. Don't complain. Making a scene or threatening to file a compliant only makes the situation escalate.

6. Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer.

7. Write everything down and remember the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number.

8. Try to find witnesses. Get their name and addresses.

9. If you are injured, document the injuries with medical reports and photographs.

10. If your rights have been violated, file a complaint with the police department's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.