Numerous rules restrict the conduct of police officers. They generally need to try to resolve matters without using force whenever possible. In fact, even if force is necessary, they should use the least amount of force they realistically can without endangering themselves or others.
Unfortunately for those who must interact with police officers in Michigan, some officers become inappropriately aggressive toward members of the general public. Injured people may claim that they experienced police brutality. Some police brutality cases are straightforward. There is footage available from body cameras that can show that the officer behaved inappropriately.
Currently, Michigan does not mandate that police officers wear body cameras at all times. While some jurisdictions have adopted rules about worn cameras, their use is sporadic at best. What can those injured by police officers do if they assert that they experienced excessive force or police brutality but there is no body camera footage to review?
Look for alternate forms of evidence
The sooner people who experience police brutality or excessive force take action, the better their chances of finding compelling evidence. There may have been witnesses present who saw the police officer escalate the situation unnecessarily. People may have recorded the incident on their phones. There might even be camera footage from nearby businesses with security systems.
Forensic evidence could also be available. There are typically physical injuries left behind after cases involving excessive force. Medical records, including expert testimony, can go a long way toward establishing that police officers became inappropriately aggressive toward someone while questioning them or attempting to take them into custody. Sometimes the very fact that officers turned off their body cams at “just the right time” can be compelling evidence of guilty conduct.
Secure help early
Holding a police officer and the department that employs them accountable for excessive force or police brutality is a complex process. Technically, individuals generally have the right to file a civil rights complaint. They can also seek injunctive relief. Occasionally, more serious violations of an individual’s rights may even lead to an investigation by the United States Department of Justice after the victim files a complaint.
Those alleging that police officers used excessive force generally need evidence supporting their claim that the incident was not severe enough to warrant the level of force used and that the police officer unnecessarily escalated the situation. They need someone to advocate for them and handle the red tape on their behalf.
Reviewing the police encounters that led to serious injuries can help people determine how to assert themselves. Those who experience police brutality often need help holding law enforcement professionals and police departments accountable.