Throughout the last couple of years, police brutality has been a topic of discussion. The media has focused on police brutality and what has happened as a result of it. Police are meant to help the public. If something goes wrong and you believe that you are a victim of police brutality, you have the right to come forward and take action against it.
Washington D.C. happens to be one of the most police populated areas due to the location of the president and the government buildings. Within the city, there are many forces, such as the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, the Transit Police, the Park Police and the U.S. Capitol Police. In order to examine your situation more carefully, it would be best to contact our law firm specializing in personal injury. We can help you explore your legal options.
What counts as police brutality?
Police brutality is a form of misconduct by an officer that can be expressed in various ways. Often times, police are criticized for excessive force. Other examples include wrongful arrest, improper use of firearms, negligent police chases, false imprisonment and assault and battery. The law makes it clear that police officers are only supposed to use physical force as needed to control a situation. If you believe you are a victim of one of these forms of police brutality, it’s important to seek legal counsel. Professionals can help guide you through the process of seeking justice.
Since they are enforcers of the law, police are held to a standard that they must follow in order to provide a safe environment for all. Just like any other employee, police have guidelines. They must follow a set of rules. If their behavior is questionable, they are held responsible for their actions regardless of the situation. They must act in the best interests of the community.
What steps should I take?
Situations like these can be tough. When involved in a situation where you believe you are being faced with police brutality, it’s important to remain calm and not act out against an officer. While it’s important to protect yourself, you should not act in an aggressive manner. Comply with their reasonable demands. If any injuries occur, seek medical attention immediately. Not only will this put your health first, but it will document any injuries that came from the situation. Then seek help from an attorney who specializes in personal injury to find out what course of action you should take.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.