How to Report Police Abuse

Unfortunately, police brutality is sometimes a reality. While the police station should be a place representing safety and security, those wearing the uniform can betray. Unnecessary physical force, harassing behavior or even criminal assault can be the results of a police encounter.

Instructions

1. Document every detail of abusive police behavior. Write down exactly what happened and make sure you note the date and time. Be specific about what was said and done between you and the officer(s). Note names and badge numbers, if possible.

2. Take pictures when you need to report police abuse. If you've been physically injured by rough handling, get pictures of your bruises, cuts or other injuries. If property was damaged at the hands of police, take photos.

3. Report police abuse at the local police station where the incident happened. Ask for complaint forms at the station. Use the notes you've made to fill out the form in exact detail.

4. File a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union, if appropriate. Some forms of police abuse are more serious than others, of course. Beatings, choking and illegal search and entry are situations that need higher attention than the local police station.

5. Seek the advice of a civil rights attorney in severe cases of police abuse. Rape, for instance, is best handled by the assistance of an attorney for criminal prosecution of the officer involved.

6. Fill out incident reports with your local Citizen's Police Review Board, if your community has one. Your city or county website should have contact information.

7. Go online to the nationally operated Police Complaint Center (a non-profit organization). If you don't feel your complaints were taken seriously at the local station, this national complaint center offers advice and help. Some of their services are free and they can walk you through the process of reporting police abuse (see Resources below).

Resources

• Police Complaint Center