Philadelphia Police Brutality Lawyers: Hold Police Accountable in Cases of Misconduct

Police officers that are sworn to protect and serve citizens are held to the highest ethical standards. However, when officers disregard this oath, they must be held accountable. PATCO police officer, Michael Fiocca’s May 2016 arrest of a 48-year old male suspect crossed the line into police misconduct when the man landed on Woodcrest Station’s live train tracks in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, dangerously close to the electrically charged third rail.

Officer Fiocca approached the Philadelphia man on the train platform, suspecting him of riding the train longer than his ticket permitted. The male provided the officer his identification and train ticket, stating that he changed trains because he mistakenly boarded the train going in the opposite direction. While attempting to arrest the suspect, Fiocca hit him with a baton and pepper-sprayed him. The man fell onto the train track close to the electrified third rail and waited ten minutes to be safely extricated.

According to a 2015 Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper article, local complaints of police brutality are on the rise, nearly doubling in 2014 from the previous year. An Inquirer investigation into a group of specific incidents found that stops for minor infractions escalated unnecessarily. The individuals involved claimed police used excessive force or arrested them without just cause. If officers are not penalized for misconduct, these statistics will increase. Holding police officers to the highest standards of training and conduct fosters trust within the community and, most importantly, keeps officers and citizens safe.

If you believe that you have been the victim of police misconduct or brutality, you deserve fair compensation. Though the Philadelphia man in this case was spared from third rail electrocution on the train tracks, there could have been a very different outcome. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident, and the Delaware River Port Authority has since suspended the PATCO officer.

Philadelphia Police Misconduct Lawyers at the Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle Hold Police Officers Responsible

Police misconduct cannot go unpunished. Police officers sworn to uphold the law and protect citizens must do so ethically and responsibly. Contact The Law Offices Patrick G. Geckle LLC for a free consultation if you feel you are a victim of police misconduct. Our experienced Philadelphia police misconduct lawyers represents clients in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Chester County. Call us today at 800-555-7780 or 215-735-3326 or contact us online to discuss your case.