I was verbally mistreated by a cop. Can anything be done?

Question

I don't think anyone will really care, but it seems that when an officer acts unprofessionally, they should be held accountable for such wreckless behavior.

I feel like I just want to put up posters cursing his name on lamp posts. But is that legal?

Thanks for any advice or words or wisdom.

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm in Philadelphia at the time and I'm beginning to understand the disdain natives have for the police force here.

I actually didn't do anything worng or get caught doing anything. It's the fact that he should have been helping instead of hurting that's made me so angry. Especially when he ignored the fact that my bf had hurt me and starting judging me for being with him instead of telling my bf to keep his hands to himself. In fact, he kinda took on a buddy attitude with my bf as if he were mocking me. I'm just really messed up right now and feeling kinda helpless.

Thanks again for the responses.

Hey, thanks for the additonal responses. Yes, I do have other things to worry about besides what the rude cop said. I actually didn't say my bf beats me because that's not true. I said he hurt me that day. I didn't get some kind of beat down. Trust me, I would be long gone right now if that was the case. The thing is, the cop's response wasn't appropriate because he didn't know if I would be okay or not and did nothing to but encourage more negativity.

Watchman...: I think you're making an assumption there saying I must have done something wrong and comparing me to criminals in jail. The cop didn't come start yelling at me. I didn't do anything I wasn't supposed to. This isn't even about my behavior and that's why I'm saying the officer did not do his job at all. It's as if he came to argue about anything and that's the truth of it. He just had came with a bad attitude as if he had a grudge. According to my neighbor, this is not unusual behavior from cops in this area.

Oh, by the way, I'm not going to put up posters. I just felt like it at the time as some desperate attempt for justice, but like I said, I didn't do anything wrong in first place, and I'm not going to start now because of one cop's dishonorable personality. So thanks : )

Answer 1

Law Enforcement are supposed to act professionally, and sadley there are those who make it throught the hiring process and the academy who put there manhood on with there duty belt, and these few are the ones that soil the job and the agency and make us all look bad.

every agency has policies requiring the officers to act in a responsible and professional manor at all times on duty and off duty. Yes if I do anything in my personal life that would bring shame on my agency I will be repremanded and possibly have my employment terminated. I say you should file a written complaint with the agency this officer works for.

Also try to remember we are ordinary people just like you, just doing a job. we work a job that when we do it right someone hates us, and when we do it wrong someone hates us. And sometimes we to have a bad day.

Answer 2

I probably wouldn't put the posters up quite yet.

Here in AZ, the local city agencies have very good systems for handling complaints. It's usually first handled at the sergeant or lieutenant level. If the complaint looks to be more serious, it's usually forwarded to internal affairs. The west coast seems to be a little better about investigating internal affairs complaints. The east coast, not so much. :-)

My word of advice would be, talk to the on-duty sergeant. Remain cool and calm. If you freak out and start yelling, they will be more inclined to believe you deserved whatever you got.

Answer 3

The lamp post idea is bad, you could be sued for slander by the officer.
Most police services have a complaint system in place. Go to the station, fill out a form and submit it. Your alegations will be investigated and appropriate action taken. This may be a verbal reprimand, letter in his file, hours taken etc. This will depend on the officer's track record.

Answer 4

That depends on the offense, and whether or not you feel it's worth it to pursue.
Unless you have evidence, like video or audiotape of the incident, it's going to be hard to prove.
By the way, slander and libel is illegal. So, putting it on lampposts and spreading the bad word about this guy may get you into trouble, especially if you can't prove what you're saying or writing is true, as it could effect his professional career. You may not like to hear it, but it's true.

Answer 5

Your city has an Internal Affairs Division that investigates complaints like yours.
You don't say just what this verbal abuse consisted of. Telling you that you should not be hanging with a physically abusive boyfriend is just advice, not abuse.
I find it interesting that you are more concerned about the cop's words than you are about your boyfriend beating on you.
You have more serious issues to deal with than some ill mannered cop.

Answer 6

No, putting up posters and cursing his name is not legal.
I feel for you, but I don't think you'll get anywhere criticizing a cop. Just don't tangle with cops. Don't do anything that gets you confronting a cop, and if/when you do, say "Yes, Sir" and promise yourself you'll not get caught next time.
I understand your anger. Write a long hate letter and then burn it.
Get over it.

Answer 7

No, there's not much you can do. You only have grounds to do something if you were injured or severely mistreated.

examples: cops peeing on you, stuffing you in a trunk, breaking bones. sounds bad but it happens! i heard that kind of stuff every day in my former job. even then, it's hard. police are backed by pretty strong unions.

Answer 8

No, you know what blew your argument with "I didn't do anything wrong" Cops just don't come up and start yelling at you. If you go to a prison I will bet that everybody there "Didn't do anything wrong"

Answer 9

its not illegal unless you make up lies about them, then u can get in trouble for slander. its still not a good idea, and if u get in trouble with the cops later they wont be inclined to treat u nicely.

Answer 10

Unless you have it on tape, it is your word against the policeman's, and you already know how far that will get you.