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Manhattan Police Misconduct

A few years ago, records were released showing that over 300,000 NYPD police misconduct complaints had been filed with the Civilian Complaint Review Board between 1985 and 2020. Over 80,000 different police officers were named in the complaints. This does not indicate all the complaints. The 300,000 did not include cases that were currently under investigation by the Review Board or those investigated by the NYPD itself. But it does give a picture of the extent of the problem of misconduct. While not all misconduct complaints involve physical injury, many do allege personal injury. Statistics also show that only a small percentage of misconduct complaint result in a finding off misconduct. Police offers who are guilty of misconduct must be brought to justice and victims deserve justice. If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury due to the unlawful actions of a police officer, contact an experienced Manhattan police misconduct lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss your case. We will review the facts of your case and discuss options for pursuing justice.

Police Misconduct

Police misconduct can be categorized into 4 general categories: excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, and offensive language.

  • Excessive force. Police are allowed to use force to subdue a suspect or otherwise get a situation under control. Excessive force occurs when a law enforcement officer uses more force than necessary. Excessive force complaints may include using physical force, pointing gun, nonlethal restraining device, hitting victim against an inanimate object, using pepper spray, using a chokehold, using nightstick, flashlight, or radio as a club, causing victim’s breathing to be restricting, or firing gun. For more actions that would amount to excessive force, contact an experienced Manhattan police misconduct lawyer.
  • Abuse of authority. Police are not allowed to use their position to intimidate or mistreat a civilian. Abuse of authority complaints may include threatening to arrest, refusing to process a civilian complaint, refusing to seek medical treatment for civilian, improper drawing of gun, improper seizing of property, refusing to show arrest warrant, or conducting an improper strip-search.
  • Discourtesy. Police are supposed to carry themselves in a profession manner. When interacting with civilians, they are not supposed to curse or use offensive gestures.
  • Offensive language. Not only are police not allowed to curse, they are not allowed to use offensive language related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability.
Note that a police officer may be found liable of misconduct if they failed to intervene when another officer is using excessive force or committing another type of misconduct.

Civil Damages

Victims of police misconduct who suffered losses due to police misconduct have the right to a pursue damages by contacting an experienced police misconduct attorney in Manhattan and filing a civil lawsuit. The claim may be based on personal injury. While police are permitted to use force, violence, and to assert their authority in the course of doing their jobs, they are not allowed to violate department procedures or break the law while doing so. When police use excessive force, victims can suffer injuries that require hospitalization, that leave permanent disability, and that lead to wrongful death. They also suffer psychological damage as well as damage to property.

The claim may also be based on a civil rights violation. Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act makes it unlawful for anyone acting under the authority of state law (such as a law enforcement officer) to deprive a civilian of their rights under the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law.

Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Complaints of police misconduct against the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies are common. If you or a loved one suffered an injury or loss due to police misconduct, contact an experienced police misconduct attorney serving Manhattan at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to thoroughly investigate cases of police misconduct to help ensure that victims of police violence get the justice they deserve. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent victims of police excessive force in the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, Bronx, Nassau County, Westchester County, and Suffolk County.

Client Reviews
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When my mom, who is suffering from dementia, faced a slip and fall personal injury lawsuit, I contacted Stephen Bilkis of the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. Not only did he provide a strategy for defending the claim, he also advised me on steps to take to avoid future personal liability. Whether you are the defendant or plaintiff in an injury case, I highly recommend Mr. Bilkis. S.M.
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I had my first encounter with Mr. Stephen Bilkis three years ago over the phone. He and his staff have been nothing but courtesy and professional. Their hard work ended with a large six-figure settlement for my case. I would highly recommend you contact his office. I want to give a special THANK YOU to Ms. Tricia Krapf. She always made me feel like a priority and was always kind and professional over the phone and email. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Celesta