Santa Clara Police Brutality Lawyers

Brutality perpetrated by the police is not an acceptable culture

Police brutality is, unfortunately, not a new concept. Neither are the reasons behind it. Racism is the predominant factor that has instigated attacks on citizens by law enforcement for decades. While under the wrong circumstances, anyone can become a victim of police brutality, minorities are overwhelmingly often the targets who wind up in hospitals and morgues.

The abuse of power began in 1938 when the first police department formed in Boston, which focused its cruelty on European immigrants, which was followed by savage attacks on African Americans who fled the South to northern states. Even 10 years before the first police department evolved, African Americans, who only constituted 5% of the population at the time, accounted for 30% of police killings. Looking at current statistics, nothing has changed in the last 90 years.

Some officers today are less hesitant to use lethal force when they are unsure of a situation because, despite the training they have received, they have grown up in a world that has normalized police brutality until somewhat recent history. Changing the culture and bridging the gap of mistrust between the police and the communities they are supposed to serve has to become the priority if we are going to substantially decrease civil rights violations.

Types of brutality that police have inflicted on citizens

In the 1960s, police employed tactics such as releasing police dogs, and using fire hoses and billy clubs on citizens. Today, we are more likely to see the use of tasers, firearms, pepper spray, beatings, and rough take-downs in trying to initiate an arrest as younger officers enter law enforcement and learn what is “acceptable” from their predecessors.

Police brutality involves an excessive use of force, which can be subjective based upon the situation. That said, guns are supposed to be used as a last resort, and suspects are not supposed to become victims of unnecessary assault when an overzealous officer loses control.

Police misconduct is not limited to physical force, however. False arrests that limit your movement and prevent you from leaving the area is another example of depriving you of your civil rights. You could also experience:

• Verbal abuse
• Psychological intimidation
• Racial profiling
• Sexual abuse
• Police corruption

Improper tactics used under the guise of controlling a dangerous situation have been the norm, but are falling under increased scrutiny as technology advances and incidents become more publicized.

Who is held accountable for police brutality in the Bay Area?

Historically, law enforcement has been shielded from consequences. Even if you are young, you have probably heard the name of Rodney King and you likely associate it with a dark period involving the Los Angeles Police Department severely beating Rodney King in 1991 after a high speed car chase. After a 3 month trial, a mostly white jury acquitted the officers accused of assault with a deadly weapon and excessive use of force. The city burst into riots that lasted nearly a week.

Today, police are beginning to be held accountable for their unwarranted attacks on citizens.

In January 2019, an Illinois police officer was found guilty for fatally shooting teenager, Laquan McDonald.

In March 2019, a Florida police officer was found guilty of the manslaughter and attempted murder of Corey Jones, a 31-year-old stranded motorist.

In April 2019, a Minnesota police officer was found guilty of shooting and killing Justine Ruszczyk Damond, who called 911.