• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Attorneys
  • News
  • Firm History
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Link to company Facebook page

Link to company Twitter page

Link to company LinkedIn page

703.924.0223 Request Consultation
The Brown Firm Logo

The Brown Firm PLLC

Alexandria Criminal Defense Law Firm

703.924.0223 Request Consultation
  • Civil Law
  • Employment Law
    • Employment Discrimination
      • ADA and ADA-AA
      • Discrimination, Harassment and Civil Rights Laws
      • Northern Virginia Employment Discrimination Laws
    • Breach of Employment Contract
    • Virginia Payment And Collection Laws
    • Virginia Wrongful Termination Laws
    • Wage And Hour Disputes
    • Whistleblower Litigation
  • Police Excessive Force
    • Unlawful Arrest Or Detainment
    • Wrongful Confessions
    • Wrongful Death By Law Enforcement Official
  • Wrongful Death
    • Wrongful Death Claims
    • Damages For Wrongful Death Claims
  • Other
    • Criminal Defense
      • Felonies and Misdemeanors
      • Marijuana Possession in Virginia
      • Possession of Marijuana W/Intent To Distribute
      • Possession of a Controlled Substance in Virginia
      • Theft and Larceny
    • Traffic Defense
      • Commercial Drivers in Virginia
        • Virginia Commercial Drivers License Suspension
      • DUI / DWI Defense
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Laws
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Penalties
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Defense Strategies
        • Virginia DUI and DWI Frequently Asked Questions
        • Virginia DUI License Suspension
        • Second DUI in Virginia
        • Third DUI in Virginia
        • Felony DUI in Virginia
      • Driving Without a License in Virginia
      • Driving With a Suspended License in Virginia
      • Eluding the Police
      • Hit and Run
      • Racing
      • Reckless Driving
        • Reckless Driving Penalties
        • Felony Reckless Driving
        • Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Strategies
      • Speeding
      • Texting While Driving
      • Virginia Traffic Laws
        • Traffic Tickets
        • Virginia Traffic Penalties
    • Premises Liability
    • Foreclosure Funds Recovery
  • Attorneys
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Firm History
  • News
» Ethical Violations That Occur With Police Excessive Force

Ethical Violations That Occur With Police Excessive Force

February 1, 2021 by Christopher Brown, Esq.

police officer keeps hand on holster in case he has to use excessive forceIf you are dealing with the reality of being subject to excessive force by a police officer, you may feel helpless and confused. Law enforcement officers have a responsibility to ethically and dutifully engage with the public without causing harm whenever possible; however, if an officer has used more force than was necessary when interacting with you, your rights may have been infringed.

How Are Ethics & Police Excessive Force Related?

When police officers take up the mantle of their jobs, they typically swear an oath. Within this oath are ethical stipulations intended to guide how they behave both on and off the job. They swear to serve the community, protect innocent people and their property, defend against oppression, and remain peaceful when faced with violence. They also pledge to respect and uphold the liberty, equality, and justice constitutionally granted to each individual.

Thus, when an officer of the law uses excessive force, a number of ethical conflicts occur. If you have had a threatening encounter with an officer, be sure to seek legal counsel to determine whether you have been a victim of excessive force.

Ethical Boundaries Crossed When Excessive Force Is Involved

Police officers pledge not to let their personal feelings, political beliefs, prejudices, or friendships influence how they approach a situation, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police adopted a Law Enforcement Code of Ethics that directly states, “I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”

When excessive force is used to resolve a situation, an officer has broken his ethical responsibilities. However, the boundaries crossed exceed merely the promise not to use force when not necessary.

Abuse Of Authority

motorist stops car and hopes police officer does not use excessive forceOne of the major infringements an officer is guilty of when using unnecessary force is the abuse of authority. Law enforcement officers are put in a position of power for the purpose of protecting and serving others. Ethically, they have a responsibility not to use the advantages of the position to further their own agenda or make life easier for themselves, such as by resorting to unnecessary force to more quickly and easily conclude an encounter. Officers are expected to use the minimum force required to de-escalate and resolve a situation, even if that solution is not simple or quick.

Break Of Police Integrity

The institution of the police bears some inherent notion of trustworthiness and integrity. When an officer utilizes excessive force, that trust within the community is broken, which can have lasting consequences. When people do not trust officers as much, they may no longer make reports, which can leave a community vulnerable to criminal activity. An officer’s integrity is critical not only for his own ethics but for the sake of the people he protects.

Not Protecting The Weak Against Oppression

One of the main ethical duties assigned to officers is to defend the weak who cannot protect themselves. When an officer uses their position of power to take advantage of the community and its members, they have breached their ethical standards that promise to stop oppression.

Disrespect To The U.S. Constitution

Perhaps the most notable violation that an officer commits when engaging in excessive force is their disrespect to the United States Constitution. This important document lays out the rights of individuals to benefit from due process and protects them from infringements such as unreasonable searches and seizures. When an officer fails to uphold an individual’s constitutional protections and behave in a manner that protects their rights, that person becomes vulnerable to injustice and harm. This use of excessive force may not be evident in physical acts, although the use of weapons and combative actions are some of the most common excessive choices. However, verbal threats or coercion into giving a confession or admitting guilt also constitute force that is excessive.

Work With A Police Excessive Force Attorney

lawyer advises client on how to proceed for the case involving the police officer using excessive forceIf you suspect that you have been the victim of excessive force by a police officer, the most important step you can take is to seek legal representation. An attorney who specializes in excessive force cases will be able to assist you in seeking the best possible outcome and advocating on your behalf. It is also important that you document everything that happened as soon as possible after the incident. This includes making copies of important conversations on social media or via text, as well as writing down as much of what happened as you can remember. This will assist your legal team when they represent you.

The Brown Firm would be happy to represent you if you have been a victim of police brutality or excessive force. Reach out to schedule a consultation with our skilled lawyers.

Primary Sidebar

Have a Question?

Ask a question or request a consultation, and we will respond to you in a timely manner.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Tradition Of Excellence

The Brown family has maintained a tradition of excellence as legal practitioners for more than 65 years. For three generations the family has championed their clients in a manner that greatly exceeds the expectations of the client. The representation of their clients demonstrates the ideal practice of law.

Call To Schedule A Consultation

Footer

The Brown Firm, PLLC

Corporate Headquarters 526 King Street, Suite 213 Alexandria, VA 22314
703.924.0223
info@brownfirmpllc.com

Link to company Facebook page

Link to company Twitter page

Link to company LinkedIn page

Practice Areas

  • Civil Law
  • Criminal Defense
  • Employment Law
  • Traffic Defense
  • Wrongful Death
  • Police Excessive Force

Recent Firm News

  • Bratton v. American Conservative Union Foundation, et al.Bratton v. American Conservative Union Foundation, et al.
    June 21, 2024
  • Bratton v. American Conservative Union Foundation, et al.Christopher Brown Appeared On ABC News
    February 9, 2023
  • Bratton v. American Conservative Union Foundation, et al.The Brown Firm Discussed The Effectiveness Of Police Cameras With VOX
    February 2, 2023

© 2025 The Brown Firm PLLC · Powered by 321 Web Marketing · Website Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

The Brown Firm FaviconLogo Header Menu
  • Civil Law
  • Employment Law
    • Employment Discrimination
      • ADA and ADA-AA
      • Discrimination, Harassment and Civil Rights Laws
      • Northern Virginia Employment Discrimination Laws
    • Breach of Employment Contract
    • Virginia Payment And Collection Laws
    • Virginia Wrongful Termination Laws
    • Wage And Hour Disputes
    • Whistleblower Litigation
  • Police Excessive Force
    • Unlawful Arrest Or Detainment
    • Wrongful Confessions
    • Wrongful Death By Law Enforcement Official
  • Wrongful Death
    • Wrongful Death Claims
    • Damages For Wrongful Death Claims
  • Other
    • Criminal Defense
      • Felonies and Misdemeanors
      • Marijuana Possession in Virginia
      • Possession of Marijuana W/Intent To Distribute
      • Possession of a Controlled Substance in Virginia
      • Theft and Larceny
    • Traffic Defense
      • Commercial Drivers in Virginia
      • DUI / DWI Defense
      • Driving Without a License in Virginia
      • Driving With a Suspended License in Virginia
      • Eluding the Police
      • Hit and Run
      • Racing
      • Reckless Driving
      • Speeding
      • Texting While Driving
      • Virginia Traffic Laws
    • Premises Liability
    • Foreclosure Funds Recovery
  • Attorneys
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Firm History
  • News