The video below shows a well informed Lerio Robinson Grant while working out in a gym being approached by Police with a claim that he was a possible suspect “of some kind.” After 20 minutes of interaction with police Grant owns them out all. This video is a classic example of why people need to know their rights.
With that in mind-If you have been a victim of police harassment in the past, you would agree that it’s always a frightening and unsettling experience, which makes you feel helpless. And if you don’t do something to stop it, chances are you will fall victim again and again. Below are tips on how you can stop police harassment and abuse:
1. Understand your rights
If you don’t understand your rights as a civilian, you will be forced to believe that many wrongdoings by the police are right. And in that case, you won’t even know that you are being victimized. You can visit the nearest police department or contact a well-known police officer to make enquiry about citizen’s rights. Most officers are happy to let you know your rights as a civilian. Alternatively, contact an attorney to make enquiry or get a copy of the constitution or criminal law code for your state or country and learn what your rights are.
2. File a complaint to at the nearest police department
Visit your nearest police department to report any cases of harassment by an officer. You call also dial 911 (or the emergency number for your state or country) if you think it’s a matter of emergency. Better yet, visit the website of your local police department and lodge your complaints using the section meant for police complaints. Whichever option you choose, follow the right procedures so that your complaint would be properly handled.
3. Establish and document your evidences
If a police officer is still harassing you even after you have lodged a complaint, here’s what you should do:
Wait patiently for the next time he harasses you, and try to make some convincing evidence against him. You can always have someone with you whenever you anticipate such misconduct so that the person can be a witness. You can also have a small recording device in your pocket to capture the officer’s words.
4. Report the second time
So that you will be double sure that the police is deliberately sweeping your complaint under the floor, you can complain a second time and see if there will be any positive changes. This time, show them your evidences. Remember to produce many copies of your evidences before turning them in.
5. File a lawsuit
If you think your complaints have yielded no results, then contact a qualified lawyer. Start by asking if there are further options that you can adopt in order to seek redress. If there are no other options, then pressing formal charges should be your next step.
But ironically, in many places today, innocent civilians have fallen victim to various forms of misconduct by the police, who go beyond the boundaries of their job and conduct harassing behavior.
(GLG)
Gregg L. Greer a Public Speaker, Pastor, Social Activist, and the Editor of the One World internet journal. Greer is the Founder of Freedom First International a human rights NGO. He has written extensively about American politics, civil rights, and the intersection of social justice and politics. Greer is the Founder of Black America World News. His stories have also appeared in The Huffington Post, CNN. Greer writes commentary on Apolitical America, MSNBC Online and others. Listen to his radio podcast atOneWorld Talks -if you are interested in interviews from him and others of the brightest minds today, you can email him at oneworldtoday@gmail.com His website is www.gregglgreer.com
