Police brutality in New York is a hot button topic. Often, police misconduct is a mixed bag. Police misconduct may occur due to negligence or recklessness. When it comes to police misconduct, excessive force and brutality are topics that are necessary to discuss. As prevalent as it is, it is important to be able to pick up on police brutality.
According to the NYC Bar, cops can use necessary force while on duty. The question, of course, is how much force is too much force. For example, if an officer beats a subdued or compliant suspect, then this is police brutality. Some traits of excessive force include:
- Unneeded use of Pepper spray and taser gun injuries
- Assaults
- Racial profiling
- Shooting an unarmed person
A police brutality case always involves excessive force and unnecessary force. When police use violence against a suspect who is already complying, they may not use extra force to subdue him or her.
The Metro reports that there are bills that would make the NYPD accountable for those who they arrest under catchall charges. The idea is to hold the cops accountable and force them to come up with a true reason. These charges include:
- Resisting arrest
- Assault of a police officer
- Obstructing governmental administration
Cops may use these laws as a way to use force in an illegitimate way. The proposed bills would push cops to justify every arrest. If police use brutality as a means to take advantage of civilians that they arrest, then they should have to face consequences or accountability. This is what many proposals require and ask for.
