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Although law enforcement officers generally act ethically and within legal boundaries and agency policies, occasionally there are lapses of conduct and these lapses can occur in various ways. In addition, police misconduct may be committed by officers other than those of a local community's police department ─ for instance:
Examples of Police Misconduct
Sometimes the police misconduct is a purposeful abuse of power. At other times, the misconduct may be an instance of the officer’s "getting carried away" in the pursuit of a suspect. The most common forms of police misconduct include:
You Have a Defense against Police Misconduct
Whatever the case, innocent civilians have the right to contest the conduct of law enforcement officers. A federal law, 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, is the fundamental civil rights statute protecting people who have been victimized by police misconduct. This law has been in effect since 1871, when it was passed in an effort to prevent misconduct by the government and to keep individuals from acting in vigilante groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. Section 1983 prohibits anyone acting under the authority of state law (such as police) from depriving an individual of his or her rights under the Constitution and other laws.
If You Have Experienced Police Misconduct
If you feel that you have been the victim of misconduct by a law enforcement officer or agency, there are a number of actions you can take. It is important that you write down as much as you can about what happened, including:
Preserve any evidence that you have regarding the misconduct.
Contact an Experienced Police Misconduct Attorney It's in your best interest to have a qualified, knowledgeable attorney represent you in a legal action concerning police misconduct. Contact such an attorney in your area today.
Search for a Personal Injury lawyer in your state or province by using the forms to the right.
Related Police Misconduct News
Apr 22, 2008 - Chicago Cop Charged with Misconduct
Feb 12, 2008 - Washington Woman Claims Police Misconduct
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