Getting Tough On Crime And Police Brutality

An experienced Los Angeles lawyer explains that over the past few years they are slowly seeing more and more clients coming to them with allegations of police brutality. It appears that in light of the upsurge in gang warfare, drug trafficking, domestic abuse and above all terrorism, the government is starting to take a stance and their 'getting tough on crime' policy means that they are now far more likely to make arrests first and to ask questions later.

There is no doubt that law enforcement is changing in the way that authorities are attempting to do everything that they can to prevent an increase in crime that is undoubtedly sweeping the nation. However this new attitude has brought with it a darker side in that claims and reports of brutality by the police has increased dramatically over the past few years. Back in 1991 the world gasped in horror as four white police officers from the LAPD, repeatedly punched, beat, bludgeoned and kicked black male Rodney King severely after pulling him out of his car for erratic driving. After the officers were acquitted, this one act became the catalyst that sparked off the LA Riots.

Recent statistics carried out by the group 'Stolen Lives Project' estimate that the current number of people that have experienced police brutality runs into the thousands. However Stolen Lives add that many more have never reported such instances because of a fear of reprisal. If you have been a victim of police brutality and have been injured because of it, then don't suffer in silence. Instead be aware that there are grounds for recourse. A highly skilled team of lawyers Los Angeles can explain your rights as a citizen and can assist if necessary.

So what should you do if you have been a victim to police brutality?

Firstly it is important to know that if you have been questioned, detained or arrested by the police, then you do have rights. If you are being handled roughly, or cuffed when there is probably no need, it is best not to retaliate as this will only exacerbate the situation. Instead you need to ask for them to refrain from their behavior. If the officer or officers in question don't do so, then try to get through the ordeal and then contact a LA attorney who is well versed in dealing with such situations as soon as you possibly can. In the meantime, try to make as many notes about the ordeal as possible, taking into consideration the amount of officers involved, descriptions and names if possible, what was said, the length of time you were restrained, and finally how long the ordeal lasted. Having this information to hand will make it much easier for your representing attorney to look into the case. From this they can look to start legal proceedings. Likewise if you are a witness to police brutality, then again make as many mental notes as possible and contact a lawyer.

Any decent attorney worth their salt will offer a free no obligation consultation whereby you can speak with them and get any queries, questions, or concerns, answered about your possible claim. From this a skilled and experienced lawyer will ascertain as to whether or not you have a case to answer. They should also operate on a contingency (no win, no fee) basis meaning the victim is never initially out of pocket.

Police brutality is something that probably isn't going to go away some time soon and as a result the state needs people who are prepared to come forward to stand up and be counted. A skilled Los Angeles lawyer will have the ability and the experience to be able to deliver a full and fair compensation package. Although being awarded the finances won't turn back the clock, it will give the victim chance to be able to move on and eventually start to get on with their lives.