Can Police Misconduct Result in Dismissals?
Despite numerous reform pledges, cases of police misconduct still prevail in the State of Pennsylvania. According to data published in the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), 67 new complaints to Internal Affairs were registered from January to April 2025. Besides that, over 12,000 such complaints have been filed since 2013. But sadly, over 95% of them were dismissed without any formal action being taken!
So, we at the Logue Law Group have some tips for you to help you understand what to do if you see your rights violated by the cops. Let’s explore this blog till the end, and see how abiding by these tips, and keeping a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side, can result in your charges getting dismissed.
Reasons Why Oversight Systems aren’t Enough
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has indeed brought about a lot of transparency. However, it still isn’t enough because of the following reasons-
- An Early Warning System established in 1996 to look over cop misconduct was dismantled in 2006.
- Several promises have been made for reinstating the oversight. But, there wasn’t any proactive action taken.
- Files of personnel remain confidential, which puts a limit on public and legal scrutiny.
And there are several instances why oversight systems aren’t considered enough, like-
- Many officers, earlier flagged for misconduct, have been promoted to elite units.
- WHYY-investigated reports state cases where officers were promoted or rewarded, totally disregarding their misconduct.
Can Police Misconduct Affect Your Case?
Yes indeed! If you’ve been arrested wrongfully, police misconduct can give a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer enough tools to use as a defense-
- They can argue that the cops got into an illegal search and seizure.
- They can help challenge misleading statements that cops usually give in warrants.
- A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can also seek help from internal records to question the credibility of the concerned officer.
- In selective cases, a good lawyer can also file a lawsuit against the city for failing to supervise officers.
In fact, a good lawyer can also get your criminal charges dismissed based on police misconduct!
Best Practices to Implement During Misconduct
If you witness, experience, or even suspect a case of cop misconduct, make sure to do the following things-
- Take a note of everything, either in writing or in video. Make sure to note the name of the officer, badge number, location, and timing of the incident.
- Collect as much witness information as possible, including their contact details.
- Make sure to complain to CPOC, or Pennsylvania’s Internal Affairs Department.
- Last but not least, make sure to hire a Pittsburgh criminal attorney. The earlier you involve legal intervention, the higher the chances of your winning!
Cop misconduct can bring about some severe consequences. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot protect your rights. So, don’t think of facing such situations alone. We at the Logue Law Group have extensive experience dealing and challenging police misconduct cases. Hence, if you, or a close friend of yours, has fallen victim to police misconduct and is being charged, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyers for help. Just place a call at 844.PITT.DUI, or send an email to sean@seanloguelaw.com to schedule a free consultation with our expert lawyers today!