What does Philadelphia State Law define as excessive force?

When is Excessive Force an issue?

When police officers are in the process of arresting an individual, they are allowed to use forceful methods to protect themselves and the individual(s) being arrested.  At times, there is a fine line that can be crossed, if during the arresting process, the force accelerates to excessive which seriously harms or even kills the individual being arrested.

In recent years, with the use of cameras attached to some police vehicles, the entire scene of the arrest has been captured on film which clearly shows exactly how much force was used, as well as revealing if it escalated to an excessive level.  Surprisingly, it is not uncommon for police brutality, or excessive force, to be captured on video during an arrest. Perhaps it is simply because the arresting officer(s) becomes so caught up in making the arrest, and even in the adrenalin rush of the moment, they forget the camera is rolling.

Examples of Excessive Force in the State of Philadelphia

• Officers pushing a person’s face into the ground while attempting to handcuff them, and then placing their knee(s) on the person’s back causing them to lose consciousness and in some cases causing death due to suffocation
• Using a choke hold to subdue the person being arrested and subsequently cutting off their airway and causing them to suffocate
• Kicking the person they are arresting
• Using a tasser gun after the person has already been subdued and handcuffed
• Placing handcuffs too tightly on a person’s wrists
• Sexual abuse of the person being arrested
• Using chemical sprays unnecessarily even though the person is subdued and handcuffed
• Abusive language

What Does Philadelphia State Law Define as Excessive Force?

Philadelphia state law defines excessive force as any force considered to be unreasonable in the arrest of an individual in order to properly take them into police custody.

If you or a member of your family has been the victim of excessive force, call us at 215-735-3326, toll free at 800-555-7780 or contact us online to discuss your case. All consultations are free of charge, and you are under no obligation to take your case further. All cases are handled on a contingency basis. Over the years we have helped many people in the same situation as you. Talk with us about how we can help you, too.