Police Misconduct Attorney

The majority of police officers serve and protect citizens in their jurisdictions in a professional and appropriate manner. Police officers typically understand the appropriate use of force as laid out in the "Use of force continuum." The "Use of force continuum" spells out the level of force that is deemed appropriate as it relates to a subject's behavior. The "Use of force continuum" has limits under both statutory and common law. These limits discuss the extent to which an officer may exert force. Unfortunately, there are cases where the police simply exceed these boundaries. This is why the Public Integrity Unit (PIU) was created.

The Public Integrity Unit (PIU) ensures that public officials and law enforcement officers are held to the same standard of justice as any other citizen. The PIU investigates and prosecutes cases in which law enforcement illegally abuses the power given by the citizens. The PIU Lieutenant reports to the Special Investigations Division Major who, in turn, reports directly to the Chief of Police.

The Professional Standards Unit (PSU) is responsible for reviewing all complaints, conducting internal administrative investigations of department members and administering the department's drug testing program. The PSU will investigate all matters with strict confidentiality. The investigation will be in accordance with federal and state law, and every attempt will be made to complete the investigation within 45 days, with some extensions granted on an individual basis.

Examples of Police Misconduct

• Excessive use of force
• False arrest
• Wrongful shooting
• Inappropriate use of a taser (a weapon used by police that uses electric shock to stop people perceived as threats)
• Racial/ethnic/religious profiling
• Illegal use of influence
• Bribery
• Sexual abuse
• Intimidation

At times, police have to interact with mentally ill individuals in their line of work. In these cases, different tools and procedures may need to be followed. In Louisville, Kentucky the Louisville Metro Police Department has introduced a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to facilitate and train police officers on how they are to interact with the mentally ill. The CIT is a joint venture between the University of Louisville and the Louisville Metro Police Department. This program helps get people suffering from mental illness the help they need when facing problems with the law. Programs such as the CIT are valuable to the community, and it is important that the Police are knowledgeable of these programs and implement them when in a crisis situation.

Citizens have legal rights when interacting with the police. If these rights are violated, an attorney may be able to help navigate the process. A Kentucky police misconduct attorney can help guide you through the complexities of a Police Brutality Complaint.

Please contact Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC, at (502) 242-8877 to discuss your case today.