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February 3, 2025

Three Ways a Police Officer Can Be Held Accountable for Their Actions in California

Written by Pointer & Buelna, LLP. Lawyers For The People, reviewed by Adanté Pointer

Police brutality is a severe issue in communities all over California. Ensuring Three Ways a Police Officer Can Be Held Accountable for Their Actions is essential to maintaining public trust. At Pointer and Buelna, LLP – Lawyers For The People, we’re here to help victims of police misconduct understand their options for justice and legal recourse.

What is Police Accountability

Police accountability makes police officers act more ethically and in accordance with the law. Police brutality in California is an issue that has to be addressed if public confidence in the police is to be restored. Accountability mechanisms are premised on transparency and accountability in the public, political, social, and criminal justice and police arena.

Legal Accountability: Holding Officers Responsible Through the Justice System

Criminal Charges Against Police Officers

When a police officer breaks the law, they are subject to criminal charges, just like anyone else. For example, if excessive police force results in serious bodily harm or death, that may be prosecuted as manslaughter under California Penal Code §192 or under similar laws. The Public Policy Institute of California lists aggravated assault as one of the leading reasons police officers are arrested in California. These types of actions need thorough investigation and proof.

Civil Lawsuits Against Police Misconduct

There are ways for victims of police brutality in California to seek justice and compensation in civil lawsuits against police officers and their departments when officers have engaged in such acts as excessive force or false arrests. The DOJ said that under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, police departments that receive federal funding are prohibited from engaging in discrimination.

Internal Accountability: Ensuring Police Departments Uphold Standards

Internal Reviews and Disciplinary Panels

California police departments often take internal investigations against misconduct. Disciplinary panels review cases to determine whether officers violated department policies. These panels are aimed at upholding standards that ensure officers face consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Reporting Misconduct Within Police Departments

California law, including whistleblower protections, encourages officers and civilians to report misconduct. The departments are obligated by law to investigate such reports, which often result in disciplinary action or termination of offending officers.

The Role of Body Cameras and Transparency

Body-worn cameras are becoming an imperative technology to integrate into transparency and accountability. According to the guidelines of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, body camera footage is essential in capturing interactions between officers and citizens in California.

Community Accountability: Empowering Citizens to Advocate for Change

Involving Citizens in Policy and Oversight

Community oversight boards work to hold police departments accountable by reviewing complaints, recommending policy changes, and making sure the voice of the public is present in law enforcement practices.

Filing Complaints for Police Misconduct

Complaints about police misconduct are normally filed by victims or witnesses through a local police department or through an independent oversight agency. In California, complaints have triggered investigations of the various activities in order to make sure that problematic behaviors are dealt with accordingly. Most of these complaints lead to policy changes and disciplinary actions.

Contact a Police Misconduct Lawyer in California to get legal support if necessary.

If you or your loved one has become the victim of police brutality, let Pointer and Buelna, LLP – Lawyers For The People assist you in finding justice. Call us today at (510) 929-5400.