10 Examples Of Police Misconduct To Refer To For Your Case

10 Examples Of Police Misconduct To Refer To For Your Case

In the past five years, people have become more aware of police brutality in our communities. Excessive use of force is when a police officer uses unjustifiable force against someone. It may include using deadly force or lesser force. The key is that it is disproportionate to the threat. Most police departments have use-of-force policies. These outline when officers can use force and how to report it. 

Unfortunately, many other types of police misconduct continue to exist in our cities. The following are ten examples of police misconduct. You can refer to these examples during your next case.

1. Excessive Use Of Force 

Excessive use of force is when a police officer uses unjustifiable force against someone. It may include using deadly force or lesser force. The key is that it is disproportionate to the threat. Most police departments have use-of-force policies. These outline when officers can use force and how to report it. 

For example, in 2022, the Phoenix Police Department used excessive force when they shot Ali Osman for throwing rocks at them. Mr. Osman was suffering from mental health issues. He refused to stop throwing the rocks when told. Instead of waiting for backup, the officers shot him four times. 

2. Coerced Confessions

Another way that police officers commit misconduct is when they coerce a suspect to falsely confess. This can happen through violence, threats of violence, or intimidation. Juveniles are particularly susceptible to wrongfully confessing to crimes.

One of the most famous examples is the Central Park Five. Five teenagers were convicted for the assault and rape of a woman in Central Park after four of them confessed to committing the crime. The teenagers confessed after hours of interrogation and threats of physical violence.

3. Witness Tampering

A police officer commits witness tampering when they convince a witness to lie or influence their testimony. Recently, three Memphis police officers were convicted of witness tampering. This happened after they attempted to cover up the murder of Tyre Nichols. 

4. Planting Evidence

Planting evidence is a common form of misconduct in movies. Unfortunately, it also happens in real life. Eight years ago, a former police Sergeant was indicted for planting heroin in a suspect’s car in Baltimore, MD. Two men were arrested and convicted of federal drug crimes based on the planted evidence.

5. Lying In Police Reports

Another form of police misconduct is when a police officer lies in an official police report. This could include lying about a major fact or embellishing details in their favor. It is difficult to fight against false allegations in a police report. That is unless there is contradicting evidence. Unfortunately, judges often take the police statement as true. 

6. Racial Profiling

Racial profiling happens when police officers treat someone differently because of their race. 15 years ago, Arizona enacted an infamous racial profiling law. The law allowed police to stop Hispanic drivers to see if they were undocumented immigrants. Thankfully, the Supreme Court struck down most of the law as unconstitutional.

7. Sexual Assault 

One of the most heinous forms of police misconduct is sexual assault. Six years ago, a Virginia police officer sexually assaulted a 17-year-old minor while on the job. The officer was supposed to be driving the minor back to her home after a noise complaint but instead raped her. 

8. Drinking On The Job

A police officer in Colorado was found drunk while on patrol six years ago. Drinking while working as an officer endangers others on the road. It also increases the likelihood that the police officer will make a mistake during the investigation.

9. Police Intimidation 

Police intimidation is a broad form of police misconduct. It includes intimidating a defendant, witness, or victim to do something. This could be confessing to a crime, changing testimony, harassment, and other problematic behavior. 

10. Mishandling Evidence

Police are responsible for recovering evidence and making sure that it is properly stored for later use at trial. A police officer may mishandle evidence by breaking the chain of custody, fabricating evidence, or even losing it. Unfortunately, this can significantly affect a defendant’s ability to exonerate themselves. 

A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if Police Misconduct Has Impacted Your Case

If you are facing criminal charges and were affected by police misconduct, a criminal defense attorney can help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your legal options. 

Contact an Experienced Tucson Criminal Defense Lawyer at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help

You have no time to wait if you are falsely accused of a crime. You will need a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been wrongly accused and charged in Tucson, AZ. Contact our attorneys at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys today to learn more about your next steps and how to fight a charge.

Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
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