Overview
Police brutality has always been a major issue in the U.S., but it is finally getting the recognition it infamously deserves. Police brutality occurs when a police officer uses excessive and unnecessary physical force and violence. Luckily, with technological advances like smart phones, documenting and reporting police brutality has become easier than ever. This article will discuss and outline the laws that protect you from police brutality, as well as the necessary steps you should take if you are a victim of police brutality.
Laws that Protect Against Police Brutality
In the U.S., we are intended to follow both state and federal laws. State laws cover most of the laws we are meant to follow, while federal laws tend to be more general.
In 1964, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and nationality. Title VI of this act specifically protects people from discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance. These protections includes prohibition of: discrimination in the form of harassment, racial slurs, discriminatory arrests and traffic stops, discriminatory use of force, and the refusal of an enforcement agency to respond to allegations based on an officer/s using discriminatory force. Additionally, in 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was passed. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act further prohibits discrimination in programs that are administered by a federal agency, which includes all law enforcement agencies. In 1990s, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. The ADA could be applied when there is unlawful detention by police officers, prison conditions, failing to accommodate a person’s disability, and using excessive force or violence when arresting a person.
What to Do if You are a Victim of Police Brutality
If you, or anyone you know is a victim of police brutality, there are some steps you can take to get justice. Firstly, you should write down the events that happened to the best of your ability. It is important to note down the Officer/s badge number, as well as the date, time, and location the incident happened. If you were injured in the act, you should seek immediate medical attention, as this will help to build your medical record. You should document your injuries by taking photos. If you are in police custody after being hurt by an officer, request to see a doctor immediately. Secondly, if there were any witnesses to the police brutality, you should get their contact information. They may have evidence of the incident and can vouch for you. The third and most important step should be to hire an Attorney. Not only can an Attorney represent you for your case, but they can provide all parties involved in the incident with a notice that will legally prevent them from eradicating any evidence they have.
At The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC, our lawyer has years of experience helping clients overcome a wide range of legal barriers. With our attorney by your side, you can navigate this process with efficiency and confidence.
Request your free initial consultation by calling 1 (917) 338-7678 or sending us an online message today.