Unfortunately, there have been many instances where police officers abuse their power and cross the moral and legal line that they're sworn to uphold. In cases like these, locals should seek the help of a civil rights lawyer in Philadelphia to get the justice they deserve. One woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the city's police department, alleging that a law enforcement official beat her, injured her baby and arrested her for videotaping another violent arrest occurring.
The incident happened in May 2011, in Overbrook, West Philadelphia. The woman claims she and a friend witnessed a violent arrest from the steps of her home when the friend began to record the events on her iPhone. When the woman walked off her front steps, a police officer told her to move back and she allegedly complied. According to the Daily News, the lawsuit asserts that the officer told her to walk down to the end of the block, even though the woman was back on her property.
Based on the video recording, the officer announced, "This is our property right now," and proceeded to punch the woman in the stomach and drag her by her hair down the steps. Her 2-year-old son was consequently pinned beneath her during the skirmish and kicked in the head. The bloodied mother and son were treated for their injuries at Lankenau Hospital. She is now seeking $150,000 in restitution.
Incidents like these are inexcusable police actions, especially when all citizens have the right to videotape arrests.
"They have the right to record," one Philadelphia police spokesman told the Daily News. "We ask that they not get in the way of the police officer [or] put themselves in harm's way."
If you are ever harassed or assaulted by the police, especially when you're simply exercising your rights, and need a civil rights lawyer in Philadelphia, contact the Law Firm of Levin & Zeiger.