What Is Police Brutality and How To Protect Your Rights

With this being the reality, it's only proper that you know how to protect your rights in case you've fallen victim to this. But before getting there, what exactly qualifies as acts of police brutality?

Police Brutality 101

Police brutality is defined as the excessive, unwarranted, and unjustified use of force against citizens by the police. This could be in the form of assault and battery, torture, murder, or mayhem. In some cases, harassment through arrests, verbal abuse, or intimidation counts as brutality.

You may think that this is an isolated problem, but the numbers prove otherwise. Every year, around one million people in the US report being threatened by force or having force used upon them during interactions with law enforcement officers. In some cases, the use of force is justified. In others, it's not, hence police brutality. [2]

So, when doesn't the use of force qualify as police brutality? If law enforcement officers try to use de-escalation methods like verbal commands and they don't work, they can resort to force. Also, if you pose a threat to others or the officers themselves, then the officers are well within their mandate to use a proportional amount of force.

However, sometimes the lines can be blurred. That's why knowing your rights can go a long way.

What To Do To Protect Your Rights?

Here are a few ways:

Know Your Constitutional Rights

As per studies, only about one in 20 US adults are aware of all five freedoms protected by the First Amendment. This highlights the urgent need for individuals to be knowledgeable about their rights. [3]

You should know what you're required to do when you encounter law enforcement officers. Should you show your identification anytime they demand it? Can they search without a warrant?

Once you know your rights, you're in a prime position to recognize when they're being infringed upon. In that case, you can contact a lawyer with a track record and have them help you file a police brutality claim.

These cases can be tough. When you involve legal experts who've been in the trenches, they can help you make sense of your legal options as a victim of police brutality and guide you through the process of filing complaints or lawsuits.

Document Everything

Many law enforcement officials' encounters with civilians have come to the forefront, thanks to body cam footage and also recordings from those affected or passersby.

Record as much evidence as you possibly can. You can do video or audio recordings, and if possible, take detailed notes and contact information from witnesses. This can be evidence that can help prove your case, if it gets to that.

Seek Medical Attention

Some forms of police brutality might leave you with injuries. In that case, you should make sure you get medical attention right away. When you visit the doctor, have them document your injuries.

Some of the common injuries include fractures and broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries. In some less severe cases, you can end up with lacerations and cuts, or even sprains and strains. Get them all documented. They could give you a boost in your case.

Talk to Advocacy Groups

There are many advocacy groups out there that are dedicated towards holding police officers accountable for their actions. Some of these organizations include internal police oversight units, human rights organizations, civil rights movement, and others mapping police violence.

In case you've fallen victim to what you suspect is police brutality, make sure you get your side of the story to these bodies. Give as much details as possible and corroborate them with evidence.

These groups can offer you the support you need or even amplify your voice and bring the much-needed attention to your case. Depending on where they sit, they can also push for policy changes and police reforms that would make it hard for such incidents to recur.

Closing Thoughts

Police brutality is an unfortunate blight, but a common reality in day to day life. During such incidents, you may find yourself disturbed, confused, or even utterly terrified. Knowing your rights in such situations can be a great form of defense.

Once you know where you stand, you'll know when you're complying to a legal order and when you have to stand your ground. Exercise your democratic rights. If they get infringed upon, then you have grounds for filing a police brutality case. Talk to your lawyer and let them advise you on the best way forward.

Sources

1. "US police use force on 300,000 people a year, with numbers rising since George Floyd: ‘relentless violence", Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/28/police-use-of-force-violence-data-analysis
2. "Study of Fatal and Nonfatal Shootings by Police Reveals Racial Disparities, Dispatch Risks", Source: https://policeepi.uic.edu/data-civilian-injuries-law-enforcement/facts-figures-injuries-caused-law-enforcement/
3. "Many don’t know key facts about U.S. Constitution, Annenberg civics study finds", Source: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/many-dont-know-key-facts-about-us-constitution-annenberg-civics-study-finds