Chicago Illinois Criminal Defense Blog

Police officers have a duty to keep communities safe. Unfortunately, some law enforcement officers pose a danger to communities. This is evident in the recent release of records that show 85,000 officers partake in some type of misconduct. 

Law enforcement misconduct is a widespread problem that society must address. Here are some of the most common types of unlawful and unethical behavior that some officers commit.

America is supposed to be the land of justice and equality, where everyone receives the same treatment under consistent interpretation of the law. Unfortunately, that ideal is not realistic simply due to the nature of humans.

People like to think that they are fair and reasonable, and even if their intentions are good, they may not realize they still operate under unconscious bias. Research shows that this implicit prejudice has a real impact on your case, reports the Washington Post.

While most police do their jobs well, there are plenty of instances around the country where cops take advantage of their position. Many police officers use excessive force to deal with suspects. Unfortunately, many of these officers get off with a slap on the wrist. A report from Mic showed that 98 percent of cops accused of excessive force never got a formal charge for committing a crime. 

You may witness such an event when walking down the street. It is easy to mind your own business and move along, but it is vital to try to hold officers accountable for their actions. Here are some vital steps anyone can take when they see an officer abusing his or her position. 

A Certificate of Innocence will go a long way in helping you put your life back together if you face wrongful conviction of a crime.

Attorneys used this document earlier in the year for the release of two men who had served decades in prison for a murder they did not commit.