Police brutality and misconduct has become an all too common occurrence across our country, but it is just now getting the attention it deserves. For years, innocent New Yorkers have been subjected to unfair, discriminatory, and hurtful practices that jeopardize their rights. One would think that the magnifying glass that is currently hovering over the issue of police brutality would deter officers from acting in an unjustifiably violent fashion, but this sadly isn’t the case.
You don’t need to look outside of our city for an example. Mere weeks ago, two New York City police officers took harmful actions against individuals who were protesting George Floyd’s death and police brutality, likely violating those individuals’ rights. One of the officers is being accused of forcefully pushing a peaceful protestor to the ground and forcing her against the pavement. The woman claims that she suffered a concussion and a seizure as a result of the event.
During that same time, another NYPD officer allegedly pulled down the facial covering of a protester to blast him in the face with pepper spray. There’s no indication that this protester was acting aggressively at all.
The NYPD is on the defensive now, but it has taken steps to suspend the officers without pay. Of course, such an act does nothing to stop a systematic problem that has gotten out of control, and it does nothing to right the wrong that was thrust upon these innocent citizens.
These types of situations occur more frequently than many people realize, and they are totally unacceptable. The only good news is that those who are wronged by the police might be able to find accountability and recover compensation for the harm that has been caused to them. If the police have victimized you, don’t just sit back and accept it. Instead, be aggressive in fighting for justice and your rights. Think about speaking with a civil rights attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for an outcome that is fair and just.