Reminiscing on the “good old days”, a retired police sergeant reflected on “beating anyone who ran from us,” and a practice of “beat and release”, or B&R. The former Modesto Sergeant likely didn’t think his email would come to public light but it has and it’s only one incident that is raising eyebrows within the local police department.
A reported insider with the department sent a letter last week claiming there are several officers currently on payroll who routinely use excessive force without repercussions. While the department says both of these incidents are exaggerating a problem, the Chief is ordering an investigation.
As should be done when suspicions of widespread police abuses come to light, the Chief is seeking an independent investigator to look into the allegations recently revealed. It seems he is being proactive in addressing the issues immediately rather than waiting for more allegations to surface.
According to KCRA, police brutality investigations are routinely taken seriously by the local police. In 2009, there were 17 complaints of excessive force. Officials in the town are said to use force a relatively small percentage of the time. In 14,500 arrests, force was used 256 times.
Allegations of police brutality are far from rare. Anytime you equip people with a certain degree of power, there will be the potential for abuse. While excessive force may not hit the headlines every day, questionable behaviors from police are more common than you might think.
Excessive force doesn’t only hurt those who are immediately involved with the incident, but any others who hear about it. When the public entrusts law enforcement with keeping them safe, an abuse of this power causes an immediate rift in the police-community relationship.
When someone is a victim of police brutality or even a wrongful arrest, they are often treated with doubt and suspicion themselves. After all the subject of the arrest is the “bad guy” right? Such scenarios can make it difficult for people to come forward when they feel like their treatment was out of line.
Whether you were roughed up and charged with resisting arrest or if you simply feel that your rights were violated, I may be able to help. When you are charged with a criminal offense the police must follow very structured and regulated procedures. If their actions fall outside of these procedures and protections, there’s a chance the case against you will suffer.
In other words, if a cop searches you illegally, the evidence against you won’t likely stand up in court. Likewise, if the arrest itself was illegal, the charges may be dropped.
When you are up against the police it may seem that no one is on your side. This is why it’s crucial to have a criminal defense attorney. Contact our attorneys for a consultation on your case today.