The issue of police brutality continues to be a major concern for both the public and the law enforcement profession. Throughout American history violence in the form of police brutality, unwarranted use of force, and other forms of mistreatment of citizens is not uncommon. Police brutality occurs for a number of reasons. The most common is racial discrimination. 89% of the people who died in NYPD custody between the years 1990 and 1994 were African American or Hispanic (Elisha, 2010). Some examples of this brutality are the cases involving Rodney King, Oscar Grant III, Patrick Hall and Abner Louima. 59% of all Americans in 1999 agreed that racial discrimination was a major problem. What some people do not know is that police officers are legally able to use force against individuals when provoked. In some cases, police use excessive force when only moderate force is warranted. Another situation from which excessive force may arise is racial profiling. An officer who racially profiles individuals may overreact to crimes committed by individuals of certain ethnicities or falsely accuse an individual of a crime because of his or her ethnicity. Both cases may count as brutality(Michael Enfield, 2010). When police officers feel intimidated, for example, when they are dealing with an african american or a latino, they may strike an individual even if the officer was in no immediate danger. It may be harder to prove excessive force in this case because the officer may claim he or she felt threatened and had to act for his or her safety.
No matter the reason a police officer used excessive force, the officer in question should be held accountable for his or her actions. Most of the time, police brutality cases are difficult and tricky. It is important to contact a lawyer that specializes in police brutality cases to help you properly build your case(Michael Enfield, 2010).
Police officers may also feel the nerve to harass an individual because of their financial stability and where they come from. This is known as classism. If a police officer pulls over a white man in a rich neighborhood, the officer will not be as harsh. The police officer may even be very polite. If an officer pulls over and african american or latino male the police may feel intimidated only because the color of their skin. The officer may abuse the individual and more than likely get away with it.
No matter the reason a police officer used excessive force, the officer in question should be held accountable for his or her actions. Most of the time, police brutality cases are difficult and tricky. It is important to contact a lawyer that specializes in police brutality cases to help you properly build your case(Michael Enfield, 2010).
Police officers may also feel the nerve to harass an individual because of their financial stability and where they come from. This is known as classism. If a police officer pulls over a white man in a rich neighborhood, the officer will not be as harsh. The police officer may even be very polite. If an officer pulls over and african american or latino male the police may feel intimidated only because the color of their skin. The officer may abuse the individual and more than likely get away with it.
