Metropolitan police officers in Nashville are meant to provide service, protection, and impartial enforcement of the law. When a police officer encounters a citizen, they should never cause a citizen undue harm, nor use excessive force to carry out certain responsibilities.
When one of these incidents does happen, it is usually considered police misconduct, a serious offense that can leave you with physical, psychological, and financial injuries. You do not deserve to suffer from the expenses and losses that police-induced injuries can cause.
If you were the victim of police misconduct, call The Cochran Firm – Nashville at 615-678-6278 for a review of your interaction and potential damages related to the incident. We can provide support and legal assistance during this emotionally taxing time.
Know What Constitutes Police Misconduct
The city of Nashville does not take accusations of misconduct regarding law enforcement officers lightly. In fact, the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department very clearly outlines police actions it officially considers inappropriate.
They define police misconduct as one or more of the following actions:
Rudeness
Unnecessary roughness
Deceitfulness and corruption
Harassment and stalking
Coercion
Domestic violence
There may be additional acts committed by police that also constitute police misconduct that we have not included here. However, a law enforcement officer could also be guilty of misconduct for discriminating against a citizen based on race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.
If you have been injured or a family member has been killed due to police misconduct, you should consider moving forward with legal action to hold them accountable for their actions. To begin your free, no-obligation case review with a lawyer, call The Cochran Firm – Nashville at 615-678-6278.
For a free legal consultation with a police misconduct lawyer serving Nashville, call 615-678-6278
Know How Police Misconduct is Classified
Police are charged with protecting their local communities and citizens without abusing their power or applying unfair influence. When police abuse their authority, citizens can suffer serious consequences. Nashville’s residents have the right to report cases of police abuse or misconduct and may have the right to be compensated for such behavior.
In addition to any financial awards a plaintiff might receive through legal action, police officers might also face criminal and civil penalties that vary depending on the nature and severity of their actions.
According to Tennessee Code Ann. § 39-16-402, official misconduct can be classified as either a Class E felony or as a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by:
Class E Felony: Imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of up to $3,000
Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment of nearly a year and a fine of up to $2,500
When you call The Cochran Firm – Nashville, an attorney will review the details of your case and help you determine a course of action for moving forward.
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You Have the Right to File a Complaint for Official Misconduct
You are entitled to be treated fairly by police officers and any other official representing the city of Nashville. If you were not treated fairly, you have the right to file a complaint against the official for misconduct.
When you are the victim of official misconduct, you should file a complaint immediately. Not only will a complaint start a paper trail of your personal injuries, but it may also bolster and support your claim for compensation.
If you do not feel comfortable filing your grievance at a police station or official office, you can also file a complaint with the following agencies:
Metropolitan Police Department Division of Professional Standards
Human Relations Commission
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Americans with Disabilities
Immediately after you are injured, write down as much identifying information about the police officers or officials involved as you can remember. Share this identifying information in each report you make and with a Nashville police misconduct lawyer.
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Know What to Include in Your Official Police Misconduct Complaint
Make sure the police misconduct complaint you file is as complete and thorough as possible. Include your full name, contact information, email address, and phone number.
If you have this information on-hand, you may also want to document:
The name, badge number, and other contact information of each involved law enforcement official
A physical description of each involved police officer
The date, time, and location of where the incident took place
Contact information of anyone present when the incident took place
A complete and detailed written report of the incident
Photos and other documentation of your injuries
Do not rely on your memory alone. It is important to make your complaint as clear and detailed as possible. Share the details of your incident, a copy of your complaint, and copies of any related medical records and bills with a Nashville police misconduct lawyer who can file a claim on your behalf.
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Contact a Police Misconduct Attorney Serving Nashville Today
Every community must be able to count on and trust its police officers and officials. Instances of police misconduct not only reflect poorly on the enforcement system but also create unsafe communities.
The Cochran Firm – Nashville has a mission to protect the rights of those who have been violated by systematic injustice. Our founder, Mr. Johnnie Cochran, Jr., believed that nobody should be confronted with discrimination or have their rights illegally infringed upon by others. Call The Cochran Firm – Nashville at 615-678-6278.