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Police Misconduct: What You Need to Know

police brutality and misconduct

The majority of Kentucky police officers are some of the finest individuals around, protecting and serving our communities with care and respect. However, in any situation in which great authority exists, there is the potential for abuse of power.

As an American, you have rights, and you should be able to expect police officers and public officials to respect, maintain, and protect those rights. Unfortunately, police misconduct does exist.

What is Police Misconduct?

Police officers swear an oath to uphold the Constitution, which lays forth the civil rights of American citizens. When a police officer violates an individual’s constitutional rights or engages in illegal activities while performing his or her duties as a police officer, they have committed police misconduct. If you are the victim of that conduct, you are often entitled to compensation.

Police misconduct includes:

  • False or unlawful arrest
  • False or unlawful imprisonment
  • Falsification of evidence
  • Perjury
  • Coercion
  • Due process violations
  • Witness tampering
  • Police brutality or excessive use of force
    • Taser Abuse
    • Police shootings
    • Wrongful death
  • Racial profiling
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Unwarranted search and seizure
  • Unwarranted surveillance
  • Unnecessary strip searches

If you or a loved one has experienced police misconduct in Kentucky, contact our office today to discuss your civil rights and any violations you’ve encountered.

Your rights matter. Your story matters. It is important to stand up to police misconduct and seek the necessary steps to rectify unlawful proceedings. With a qualified attorney, you can help be a voice not only for yourself, but also for others who may have encountered police misconduct.

What are My Rights?

The United States Constitution grants us certain rights that citizens of other nations do not enjoy. Some of the most important of these rights are granted by the following amendments and laws:

  • First Amendment:
    The first amendment guarantees Americans:
    • Freedom of Speech
    • Freedom of Religion
    • Freedom of the Press
    • Freedom of Petition
    • Freedom of Assembly

This means that Americans are able to peaceably protest, petition our government, practice our religion of choice, have a free and uncensored press, and speak our minds without fear of retaliation.

  • Fourth Amendment:
    The fourth amendment guarantees Americans:
    • Protection against unlawful searches and seizures
    • The need for lawful warrants before searches

While it may not be apparent on first read, the fourth amendment’s protection against search and seizures not only applies to an individual’s property but also to themselves. In this way, the fourth amendment also guarantees Americans protection against unreasonable, unlawful, or excessive force during an arrest or traffic stop, making it an incredibly important law against police misconduct and brutality.

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964
    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees Americans:
    • Among other things, protection against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and nationality or country of origin.

An incredibly important law, this act is made up of eleven sections, some of which have been expanded in other states to include additional protections.

Kentucky also famously became the first southern state to pass its own civil rights law in 1966, an act Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called “a milestone.”

How Do I Protect Myself?

If you suspect or know that your rights are being violated, you may be scared. In some cases, you may be injured, imprisoned and unable to act on your own will. However, if you are free to act, you should contact an attorney immediately.

You should also preserve and document any and all physical evidence of the misconduct. If you have been injured, take photographs of your injuries and seek medical attention. If any witnesses exist, get their name and contact information. All of this information will help our attorneys to begin working on your Kentucky police misconduct case.

Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Nelson County

A well-recognized name through Central Kentucky, McCoy and Sparks works to help people in trouble, representing thousands of clients in the region with a focus on providing premium service and delivering superior results.

Regardless of the type of case, our goal is to develop a strategy that best serves your personal needs, then draws upon our courtroom skills to help you reach the best possible result. We start by getting to know you. Next, we will explain all your options, giving you the pros and cons of each choice so that you will be empowered to make informed decisions.

You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to 844-4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.

As an American, you have rights, and you should be able to expect police officers and public officials to respect, maintain, and protect those rights. Unfortunately, police misconduct does exist.