There are times when police officers must use force. Someone they're arresting may be fighting with them or have a weapon that they won't drop. Officers may have no choice but to use their K9 to capture someone who is fleeing, or they may have to pin someone down with...
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What purpose does a Miranda Warning serve after an arrest?
The civil rights of individuals going through a police encounter have changed over the years due to court rulings. The Miranda Warning is an example of a relatively new but powerful form of protection for those in the United States facing arrest and questioning by law...
Identifying weaknesses in a drug possession charge
Receiving a drug possession charge is a serious matter, regardless of a defendant's background. If you recently had an encounter with police that ended in a drug charge, it is wise to begin building your defense immediately. If you choose to wait to build your defense...
Examples of police misconduct
You hope to never have a negative interaction with police, but if you do it's critical to understand your legal rights in Illinois and how to protect them. More specifically, a basic understanding of police misconduct will help prevent a situation in which you're...
What leads to police misconduct?
When you turn to the police for help, you expect them to arrive and be kind to you. You want them to be efficient and to handle your case with care.Even when they're stopping you for a traffic violation or other offense, you expect the police to be respectful of you...
Racial disparities harm minorities in America
There is no worse feeling than believing that those who are supposed to be there to protect you actually want to cause you harm. Unfortunately, that's how many people feel about the police.With so many cases of police brutality and misconduct, it's no surprise that...
4 officers face trial after teen’s death
Following the news about police brutality cases is something that can sour your day quickly and make you think that all police are bad. The reality is that they aren't, but the cases that make the news highlight how poorly some people have been treated by the...
Knowing when to use force is a vital part of policing
There are times when it is understandable that the police have to use force on someone because of their actions or because others are in danger. However, there are many instances in which police officers misuse their powers.Interestingly, there is no universally...
Understanding the excessive use of force
There is never a time when the police or authorities should use more force than is necessary when making arrests. No one should fear being injured during routine traffic stops, getting pinned to the ground for asking questions or tased for standing up for their...
How many people do police kill annually in the United States?
Police in the United States are generally permitted to use lethal force when the situation requires it. In other words, they may need to use lethal force to protect their own lives or the lives of others. In other circumstances, police need to use other less violent...