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.
Full Answer
What is reporting abuse?
Reporting abuse can also refer to the victimized parties reporting the acts of domestic violence to their local authorities or police department.
How do I report abuse and neglect in my state?
State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers Contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Call or text 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453).
What should I do if I'm being abused on the phone?
Gather information about the abuse. Before you call to report the abuse, take a moment to write down everything you know about the abuse that's taking place, the victim, the type of abuse, and other details. Once you're on the phone, you may have a hard time remembering various details.
How to report police harassment in the USA?
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.

Step 1: Write Everything Down
This step is extremely important and must be done as soon as possible after the incident. It’s easy to forget small details over time, and there’s...
Step 2: Consult With An Attorney
This step is essential if you were arrested following the incident. (If you were not arrested, it’s optional but recommended.)Victims of police mis...
Step 3: File A Police Misconduct Report
This step cannot begin until all criminal charges and civil actions have been resolved. Prematurely filing a police misconduct report will hurt you...
What are the types of law enforcement misconduct?
The types of law enforcement misconduct covered by these laws include excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrests, theft, or the intentional fabrication of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another. Enforcement of these provisions does not require that any racial, religious, or other discriminatory motive existed.
What does DOJ do in a civil case?
In a criminal case, DOJ brings a case against the accused person; in a civil case, DOJ brings the case (either through litigation or an administrative investigation) against a governmental authority or law enforcement agency.
What is the DOJ document?
This document outlines the laws enforced by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that address police misconduct and explains how you can file a complaint with DOJ if you believe that your rights have been violated. Federal laws that address police misconduct include both criminal and civil statutes.
What is Section 504?
Section 504 also prohibits discrimination in programs and activities conducted by Federal agencies, including law enforcement agencies. These laws prohibit discriminatory treatment, including misconduct, on the basis of disability in virtually all law enforcement services and activities. These activities include, among others, ...
Can the DOJ file a lawsuit for police misconduct?
There is no private right of action under this law; only DOJ may file suit for violations of the Police Misconduct Provision.
Is misconduct a pattern or practice?
In order to be covered by this law, the misconduct must constitute a "pattern or practice" -- it may not simply be an isolated incident. The DOJ must be able to show in court that the agency has an unlawful policy or that the incidents constituted a pattern of unlawful conduct.
Can a complaint be referred to another office?
For example, a complaint received by one office may be referred to another if necessary to address the allegations. In addition, more than one office may investigate the same complaint if the allegations raise issues covered by more than one statute.
What to include in a police report?
Also include witness’ names and contact information and the officers’ names, physical descriptions, car number, and badge numbers. If necessary, return to the scene of the incident to talk to possible witnesses. This might also help jog your memory about other important details.
Why are police officers prosecuted?
Victims of police misconduct are often forcefully prosecuted in order to gain leverage in case the victim files a lawsuit. If you’re caught in a situation like this, you need a good police misconduct attorney immediately. Avoid attorneys who work in many different areas of the law.
How do police try to intimidate you?
Police might try to intimidate you by claiming that your particular complaint has no merit. Worse, they might warn the officers involved, which could lead to a cover-up. Finally, before sending your complaint, be sure to make copies and keep them in a secure location.
Is it difficult to prove police misconduct?
Proving police misconduct is extremely difficult. So attorneys tend to choose whether to proceed based on the strength of the evidence, rather than the severity of the misconduct. Such cases are often taken on contingency, meaning that you won’t have to pay any up-front legal fees.
Do police departments receive complaints?
Police departments receive many complaints, so your concerns won’t always receive the individual attention they might deserve. Regardless, your complaint creates an official record of an incident. It might later be used along with other complaints to illustrate a pattern of misconduct.
Can you file a police misconduct report if you are not charged?
This step cannot begin until all criminal charges and civil actions have been resolved. Prematurely filing a police misconduct report will hurt your chances in court by revealing too much information to the police. (Of course, if you weren’t charged with a crime and you’re not suing, file the complaint right away.)
Who can report child abuse?
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect. All U.S. States and territories have laws identifying persons who are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Mandatory reporters may include social workers, ...
How to stop child abuse?
There are ways you can help stop child maltreatment if you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected. If you or someone else is in immediate and serious danger, you should call 911. You may be wondering who can report child abuse and neglect, what information is included in a report, or what happens after a report is made.
What happens after you make a report?
After you make a report, it will be sent to child protective services (CPS). When CPS receives a report, the CPS worker reviews the information and determines if an investigation is needed. The CPS worker may talk with the family, the child, or others to help determine what is making the child unsafe. The CPS worker can help parents ...
What is the number for Crisis Counseling?
Call or text 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453). Professional crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
Is there a hotline for child abuse?
Child Welfare Information Gateway is not a hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, and it is not equipped to accept reports or intervene in personal situations of this nature.
How to report domestic violence?
Call 911 immediately . Be prepared to talk with law enforcement and to write a statement about what you observed. If you choose to report violence, prepare to testify in court. Many times domestic violence victims and survivors are unable to testify due to the fear of retaliation by the abuser. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic ...
What to do if you witness a domestic violence incident?
Call 911 immediately. Be prepared to talk with law enforcement and to write a statement about what you observed.
What is the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim?
The most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when the victim leaves. This is why it is so important for victims to talk with a domestic violence advocate to assist in creating a safety plan before leaving.
What are the most common forms of police abuse?
Police brutality, police intimidation and verbal abuse–according to the CATO Institute – are the most prevalent and common source of police assault and abuse complaints. These types of police brutality and police intimidation cases include physical attacks, verbal abuse, firearm-related complaints, taser-related complaints, ...
What are the forms of police brutality?
Forms of Police Brutality, Police Harassment, and Police Discrimination. Police officers receive training that teaches them to set aside their personal biases, use their powers under the law properly, and avoid committing acts of police brutality, police harassment, police discrimination, and false arrest. Despite their training, however, it is not ...
What is sexual harassment?
Cases of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct by police officers arise when an officer is found to have conducted sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual acts, and/or other types of sex-related violations on an adult or minor of the opposite sex. According to the CATO Institute, sexual misconduct and police harassment is the second-most common source of police-related complaints and covers consensual sexual activity that occurs when an officer is on-duty, sexual assault and child molestation. If you–or someone you know – was or is a victim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by a police officer, contact our sexual harassment attorneys and discrimination attorneys for a free consultation to go over your legal options.
What is the second most common source of police-related complaints?
According to the CATO Institute, sexual misconduct and police harassment is the second-most common source of police-related complaints and covers consensual sexual activity that occurs when an officer is on-duty, sexual assault and child molestation.
What happens if you are a police victim?
If you or a loved one is a police brutality victim, police discrimination victim, police harassment victim or a false arrest victim, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses and more.
Can police make arrests?
According to the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the police cannot make arrests, search citizens and their property, seize objects, or conduct surveillance unless given prior authorization from a judge or if the circumstances of the situation necessitate a search or seizure without court approval. If the police collect personal data, searches your property or conducts surveillance without approval from a court or probable cause or approval from a court, you may be able to file a claim based on wrongful search, seizure, or surveillance. If you–or someone you know – have been victimized by false arrest or a wrongful search, seizure, or surveillance by the police, contact us to learn more about how our NYC law firm attorneys can help.
Can you file a claim for wrongful search?
If the police collect personal data, searches your property or conducts surveillance without approval from a court or probable cause or approval from a court, you may be able to file a claim based on wrongful search, seizure, or surveillance.
How to report harassment to police?
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.
What to do if a police officer harasses you?
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.
Why do police need to produce copies of evidence?
That is, you should produce many copies of your evidences. This is necessary because the police are notorious for destroying evidences kept against them. Also, document the details of the harassment scenario, such as the date, time, and venue. 8.
What is police harassment?
Police harassment or misconduct can lead to a miscarriage of justice and sometimes involves discrimination and or illegal motives of discrimination combined as obstruction of justice. Police harassment can take a variety of forms and can involve diverse victims.
What is police misconduct?
Police misconduct, which includes harassment and abuse of civilians, refers to any inappropriate action taken by police officers in connection with their duties.
How to prove police harrassment?
These are ways you can put up a water-tight case against the police. 3. Put the incident down on paper.
What happens if you don't know your rights as a civilian?
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.
What is reporting abuse?
Reporting abuse can also refer to the victimized parties reporting the acts of domestic violence to their local authorities or police department. This form of reporting abuse will formally include the police or law enforcement agencies into your particular domestic violence situation; by reporting abuse to the authorities, ...
Why is reporting abuse important?
The act of reporting abuse is crucial to limit the damages and side effects imposed by domestic violence situations. Reporting abuse simply means that the victim—or a loved one of the aggrieved party—notifies an organization aligned with Domestic Violence prevention to the ongoing turmoil present in a relationship.
Why is it important to report domestic abuse?
Reporting abuse will allow the aggrieved party to seek aid, professional advice, and access to educational resources regarding domestic abuse. Additionally, reporting abuse will enable the individual to seek a legal remedy to their unfortunate situation.
How to report domestic violence?
If you wish to report the actions in an anonymous fashion, you may contact the appropriate government department, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline through their 24-hour telephone number: (800) 799-7233.
What is domestic violence hotline?
The Domestic Violence Hotline is a national resource used to prevent acts of domestic violence. Furthermore, the Domestic Violence Hotline is one of the many places an individual can contact to report abuse; the hotline acts as the intermediary between the aggrieved party and coordinating law enforcement officers.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic Abuse refers to the victimization of an individual or individuals resulting from abuse, attacks, or assault undertaken by their respective partners within the realm of a romantic relationship or courtship.
Can domestic violence be administered between genders?
Although the typical notion attached to domestic abuse places the male in the aggressive role and the woman in the victimized role, acts of domestic abuse, in all fashions, can be administered between both genders.
What is the number to call for human trafficking?
If you are being mistreated in the United States, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BeFree). You may also submit a tip on the NHTRC website at https://traffickingresourcecenter.org/report-trafficking.
What is the phone number for a job discrimination lawsuit?
Retaliation because you complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit. Toll-free phone number: 1-800-669-4000 (TDD 1-800-669-6820).
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers lure individuals with false promises of employment and a better life.
What is a harassment?
Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in your workplace because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information;
What is the Department of Justice's anti-discrimination law?
U.S. Department of Justice, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (DOJ/IER) IER enforces the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b. Regulations for this law are found at 28 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 44. This federal law prohibits:
