Jim Pawell
Transcript
Chapter 1: Introduction (0:01)
Claims against police officers are frequently made, but most go no farther than an initial investigation and then are swept under the carpet, right or wrong. Police departments bend over backwards to protect their officers because frivolous claims of police brutality are so common. The few claims that have merit often get lost in the shuffle.
Chapter 2: Jury Sympathy (0:25)
Jurors will be sympathetic to police officers except in the most extreme cases. If a husband gets roughed up by a police officer investigating a domestic dispute, the jury is likely to sympathize with the officer who got thrust into a difficult situation and had to restrain the husband.
Chapter 3: Answer These Questions (0:40)
Answer these questions to determine if your claim has merit.
When did the incident happen? The notice of claims statute and the statute of limitations will block old claims.
Chapter 4: Why Were You Involved With the Police? (0:48)
Why were you involved with the police in the first place? Try to look at the events neutrally from the perspective of a juror who rarely has problems with the police.
Chapter 5: Have You Been Arrested or Convicted? (0:55)
Have you been arrested or convicted? If so, what were you arrested for, and how many times? The jury is unlikely to include anyone with a criminal record.
Chapter 6: Formal Complaint (1:03)
Has a formal complaint been filed with the police department? If so, has any action been taken, and what were the results of such action?
Claims against police officers are frequently made, but most go no farther than an initial investigation and then are swept under the carpet.
