What happens to a police officer if they are charged with police brutality?

Answer 1

It depends on the totality of the circumstances. For example, whether or not the action even constitutes "brutality" is incumbent on the circumstances the officer faces, and the community or societal norms under which the circumstances take place. A citizen being beaten by a police officer is not necessarily "brutality." What makes a brutal action "brutal" is the reasons for the actions, the circumstances of why the action was taken and the community standards under which the action was taken. In a litigious society, such as the US, a righteous and honorable professional police officer may be convicted or found liable in civil tort for a completely justified violent action; whereas in Eastern Europe or the Middle East, a vicious beating for the theft of an apple may be seen as perfectly acceptable.

Answer 2

In the first instance, the police officer would be presumed innocent until adjudicated guilty, just as with anyone else charged with a crime in the Free World.

Provided the actual charge is indeed 'brutality,' which is quite descriptive, the officer may be immediately reassigned from their current street rota to what is generally referred to as an administrative position. Their salaries would continue up to and possibly beyond any final court action.

Internally, the charge would be referred to an Independent Police Commission - an agency who holds the responsibility to investigate the allegation, without influence or pressure from within the police department. They would also hold the responsibility of compiling evidence and witness statements. The responsibility is completely removed from the local police authority to as to ensure unbiased investigations and balanced reporting.

The officer, in almost every instance, is referred to his local policemen's union or governing body to apprise the officer of his/her rights, to assist, if required, in the finding legal assistance, and in some cases, to assist with legal aid. The union or officer's representative then becomes the de facto spokesperson for the officer. Any and all media queries and statements go through that same representative.

For the good of the public, both the chief of police and the police representative may, from time-to-time, issue joint statements. This is not for the purpose of casting further allegations or stirring up public sentiment, but to work together to find the truth and to deal with the results in an appropriate.

A charge of 'brutality' can sometimes be politically, racially, or socially motivated. It's in the interest of all concerned to work together towards reaching an honest, concise, and fair to all parties determination. Sadly, just as there have been documented cased of abuse perpetrated by police officers, there has been an equal number of documented false accusations, which could have denigrated, maligned, and discounted the officer's reputation. In some cases, should this be determined, then the same union or spokesperson representative, would assist in obtaining legal advice, as well as media assistance, to not only restore the officer's good character within their police department, but through the greater public community as well.

Answer 3

If it is proven, then he could be suspended , or transfered or in a rare case dismissed.

Answer 4

nothing