What To Know About Police Misconduct

Police officers often think they are above the law. They can do what they want without repercussions. Because of this, police misconduct is common and Florida residents need to be aware of this if they are ever arrested.

Police officers often share what is known as a “blue code of silence.” This means they will not turn each other in for misconduct, allowing this inappropriate behavior to continue. Studies show  that misconduct by one police officer substantially increased the likelihood that other officers would also engage in misconduct.

Police misconduct is sometimes associated with discrimination. Misconduct has been shown to be related to personality and education, although the culture of the police agency can also play a huge role. Education is negatively correlated to misconduct, so officers with more education receive fewer complaints on average.

Police Misconduct Provision

Under federal law, it is illegal for state or local law enforcement officers to engage in conduct that deprives persons of rights protected by the Constitution. This law covers false arrests, excessive force, discriminatory harassment, and coercive sexual conduct, as well as unlawful stops, searches, or arrests. However, the misconduct in questions must constitute a pattern and not simply be an isolated incident. The Department of Justice must be able to show in court that the agency has an unlawful policy or history of unlawful conduct.

Examples of Police Misconduct

Police may act inappropriately in a number of ways, such as:

• False arrest or false imprisonment. This involves illegally detaining or arresting someone without justification.
• Excessive force. This refers to the use of more force than is reasonably necessary to handle a situation. This can lead to severe injuries or death.
• Police brutality. This is another term that refers to the use of excessive force, physical abuse, or violence by police officers. This may include killing others, including pets, unjustly.
• Racial profiling. This means targeting people based on their race or ethnicity rather than on evidence of criminal activity.
• This is when police engage in illegal activities, such as accepting bribes, drug trafficking, or any other form of criminal behavior.
• Sexual misconduct. This refers to Inappropriate or non-consensual sexual behavior by police officers, including harassment and assault.
• Tampering with evidence. This means manipulating or mishandling evidence to cover up wrongdoing or secure a conviction.
• False testimony. This refers to providing false or misleading information in court or during an investigation.

Seek Help for Your Criminal Defense Case

While most police officers carry out their duties in a responsible and ethical manner, many do not. They engage in inappropriate or illegal actions that infringe upon a person’s freedoms and legal rights.

Have you been falsely arrested due to police misconduct? If so, contact a Dade City & Zephyrhills criminal defense attorney from Madonna Law Group. Our team will explore every option to defend you so you can avoid criminal charges. Fill out the online form or call (800) 557-0411 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

justice.gov/crt/addressing-police-misconduct-laws-enforced-department-justice#:~:text=%22Police%20Misconduct%20Provision%22&text=(34%20U.S.C.,unlawful%20stops%2C%20searches%20or%20arrests.