The bustling streets of New York, often pulsating with life and activity, also witness moments of tension between its citizens and the law enforcement entrusted to protect them. Over the years, New York has seen various instances of police brutality, including...
Police Brutality
Examining the issue of excessive force during arrests in New York
In every interaction with law enforcement, citizens have certain rights, even during an arrest. These rights include protection from unnecessary or excessive force. New York, like every other state, has rules regarding the acceptable level of force during an arrest....
What are some examples of police misconduct?
Members of the public expect the police to be honest, provide protection and uphold the law. However, like in any field of work, there are some members of law enforcement who intentionally or unintentionally fail to uphold the standards expected of them. When the...
What is qualified immunity?
When law enforcement officers face accusations of police brutality or other misconduct against citizens, they often use the defense of qualified immunity. This concept is a federal law that allows officials to not have personal liability for damages or injuries that...
Report accuses 146 NYPD officers of brutality during 2020 protests
Thousands of New Yorkers responded to the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 by taking to the streets to protest police brutality and racist police misconduct. Ironically, the NYPD's response to those demonstrations is itself the subject of at least 146 accusations of...
Is it legal to record police misconduct?
Police officers must respect your rights even if they suspect you have committed a crime. So if law enforcement mistreats you, it is natural to be angry and confused. You may believe you will never secure justice for what has happened to you. However, thanks to modern...
What is the Police Accountability Act?
New York Attorney General Letitia James is pushing for new legislation in New York that will help cut down on instances of police brutality. The Police Accountability Act is in the state Senate committee. James announced the legislation on May 21, 2021. It is slowly...
A closer look at New York’s Police Brutality Act
Many observers tout New York's passage of the Police Brutality Act as the most far-reaching tool for force reform in the country. The legislation would lower the standard needed to prosecute police officers while requiring officers to use force only as a last resort....
Understand common encounters with law enforcement
Encounters with law enforcement officers can be uncomfortable, especially if you do not know why they stopped you. How do you know if an officer's behavior is standard procedure or out of line? Understanding basic facts about stopping and questioning could help you...
Can reform end police brutality?
Reports of deaths caused by law enforcement are hard on everyone, but when the incident is preventable and due to abuse by the officers, it becomes a serious concern. To help combat police brutality issues, New York is trying to create reforms. The New York Attorney...