There is no doubt that law enforcement officers and police personnel hold a lot of power in the communities they serve. They are the people who citizens call to help them in times of need. They are the first responders at emergency situations. They put their life on the line every time they report for duty.
As Voltaire once said, “with great power comes great responsibility.” As a police officer, there is oftentimes a fine line between what is acceptable behavior and what is considered misconduct on the job.
For instance, while it is acceptable for law enforcement officers to use some amount of force to detain a suspect, using brutality or excessive force may fall under the category of police misconduct.
Other examples of police misconduct include discrimination, violating the First Amendment rights of citizens, wrongful conviction, false arrest, and conducting illegal unwarranted searches of persons or property, harassment, or other unacceptable or abusive behaviors.
What to Do If You Suspect You’re a Victim of Police Misconduct
If you or someone you love was a victim of police misconduct or brutality in the Boston area, discussing your situation with a lawyer with expertise in this field of the law is imperative to protecting your rights and the safety of others.
Depending on the severity of the misconduct and any losses this police misconduct may have caused, you may qualify for compensation for damages.
A skilled legal team who understands the regulations surrounding police misconduct is in a position to help individuals or families who have suffered at the hands of an unwieldy police force. After telling them your side of the story, they can advise whether they feel you have a strong case that is likely to uphold scrutiny in the justice system.
Once they have established the validity of a potential police misconduct case, your lawyer will pursue every avenue available to prove your case and seek justice for you.
If you were seriously injured during the confrontation, this could include damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you think that you are a victim of police misconduct, Contact the offices of Hedges & Tumposky to discuss your case today. We are here to help!