Over the past few years, police misconduct has been at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist. There have been a series of high-profile incidents in which police officers used deadly force against perceived threats. While these incidents represent the worst possible outcome of police misconduct, there are several different ways in which the police abuse their power. Policy reforms aimed to deter police misconduct are essential to hold law enforcement accountable and prevent inappropriate behavior.
If you have experienced police misconduct, you should consult with a skilled attorney who can help you pursue justice. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
What Is Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct refers to illegal or inappropriate actions taken by police officers, often highlighting the various violations of state law, federal law, or departmental regulations. Such conduct by an officer, or officers, usually results in one or more civil rights violations. Common examples of police misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Excessive or unnecessary force
- Forced or coerced confessions
- False arrest
- Inappropriate use of tasers, nightsticks, and pepper spray
- Illegal search and seizure
- Falsified evidence
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Rape
- Wrongful shootings
- Racial profiling
- Assault
- Intimidation
- Threats of violence
- Inmate abuse
- Wrongful death
If you have experienced any form of police misconduct, you should consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
Police Misconduct and the Law
Police misconduct can involve federal law and state laws, but most cases often become a matter of constitutional rights. Actions taken by police officers must align with both state and federal laws. If a victim’s constitutional rights have been violated, the victim may file a claim against the federal government. There are several laws that govern police conduct, but some of the most commonly cited laws include:
The Fourth Amendment: Use of Excessive Force by Police Officers
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the use of excessive force in the course of an arrest, investigatory stop, or other seizure. Police brutality is the excessive and unnecessary force utilized by law enforcement officers against citizens. Excessive force by a law enforcement officer is force that is objectively unreasonable under the circumstances.
The Fourth Amendment: Denial of Medical Care
Denying an injured person (even a person under arrest) medical care can be a violation of that person’s Fourth Amendment rights. These claims usually arise during a police encounter involving one of the following circumstances:
- Injuries to an arrested person are caused by the officer’s actions.
- The police encounter involves someone under the influence of drugs.
- Someone experiencing a mental health breakdown requires prompt medical or mental health assistance.
A person who has been denied medical care may be able to seek justice against the responsible party. If you have been denied medical care during a police encounter, contact a skilled attorney who may be able to help you with your claim.
Section 1983 of U.S. Code 42
The other statute that informs police misconduct cases is Section 1983 of U.S. Code 42. Civil lawsuits under this statute can result in structural reforms and accountability within police agencies. This statute states that no peace officer can deny any resident or citizen his or her constitutional or federal rights.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
Unlawful search and seizure by law enforcement officers is a serious form of police misconduct that can have severe consequences for individuals and communities. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and law enforcement agencies must adhere to strict guidelines when conducting searches and seizures.
Types of unlawful search and seizure include:
- Searching a person or property without a warrant or probable cause
- Conducting a search that is not reasonably related to the circumstances of the arrest or investigation
- Failing to provide adequate notice of the search or seizure
- Using excessive force or coercion during the search or seizure
Victims of unlawful search and seizure may be entitled to compensation for damages, including emotional distress, property damage, and loss of liberty. In some cases, evidence obtained through unlawful search and seizure may be excluded from trial, which can significantly impact the outcome of a criminal case.
Procedural and Administrative Forms of Police Misconduct
Procedural and administrative forms of police misconduct refer to actions taken by law enforcement agencies that violate established protocols and procedures. These forms of misconduct can have serious consequences, including damage to reputation, financial losses, and harm to individuals and communities.
Examples of procedural and administrative forms of police misconduct include:
- Failing to follow established protocols for arrest, search, and seizure
- Ignoring or disregarding complaints of police misconduct
- Failing to provide adequate training or supervision to police officers
- Engaging in discriminatory practices or racial profiling
- Failing to maintain accurate records or reports
Victims of procedural and administrative forms of police misconduct may be entitled to compensation for damages, including emotional distress, financial losses, and harm to reputation. In some cases, these forms of misconduct may also lead to changes in police policies and procedures.
Compensation for Police Misconduct Cases
Recovering damages in a police misconduct case will depend on the severity of the misconduct and the nature of the injuries suffered by the victim as a result of the misconduct. The types of damages that one can recover in a police misconduct lawsuit include the following:
- Compensatory damages: These include property damage, costs of medical care, loss of earnings if the person has missed work, and potential future loss of financial earnings.
- Aggravated damages: These damages are awarded in the exceptional case where the police conduct was especially egregious and where the officer’s conduct subjected a person to distress, embarrassment, and humiliation.
- Exemplary damages: These are awarded when police misconduct amounted to an oppressive, arbitrary, or unconstitutional action. Exemplary damages are intended to serve as a deterrent to future wrongdoing.
A police misconduct attorney can assist victims in navigating the legal challenges, providing truthful testimonies in court, and seeking justice and compensation when civil rights are infringed upon.
Contact the Skilled Attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our attorneys will work hard to hold police officers and officials accountable for their misconduct. If you have been the victim of police misconduct, do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We offer free consultations, and we look forward to serving you. You can contact us by calling (215) 822-7575 or visiting our website.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
April 8, 2025
