Police misconduct is an unfortunately all-too-common occurrence in the United States. It occurs when officers of the law abuse their power or break laws while they are on or off duty, and its effects can range from minor nuisances to life-altering violations of human rights. The following are 10 examples:. Excessive force by police includes the use of physical force, weapons, or other techniques beyond what is necessary to make an arrest or prevent criminal activity.
It can result in physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death. The Eric Garner case is a tragic example of police misconduct and excessive force. In , Eric Garner died after NYPD officers tackled him to the ground while attempting to arrest him for allegedly selling illegal cigarettes. One officer used an illegal chokehold on Garner which resulted in his death β despite repeated pleas from Garner that he could not breathe.
Tampering with evidence is when a police officer illegally changes, adds to, or removes any piece of evidence. An example of this is the Walter Scott case. His actions suggest that he was trying to make it appear as if there had been a physical altercation between himself where the victim grabbed his taser.
This was presumably done in an effort to justify his excessive use of force. Police brutality refers to the unjustified use of physical violence by law enforcement officials against members of the public. The case of Rodney King in Los Angeles is a prime example. In the tragic case of Rodney King, which took place in , he was pulled over for speeding. Instead of being allowed to comply with police orders, he was tasered and brutally beaten with police batons before being kicked repeatedly β all while bystanders filmed the incident.
Coercing someone into confessing to a crime is a form of police misconduct that can lead to wrongful convictions in criminal cases. It is often done through verbal abuse, fear tactics, and physical violence. A prime example of this is the Rachelle Jackson case. She spent 10 months in jail before being released. Sexual assault by police officers against members of the public is an act of gross misconduct and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. An example is the Eddie Martins and Richard Hall incident.
