The city of Seattle has announced new policy changes in the use of force by the police department. These modifications and recent improvements were issued after the release of an investigation and negative report on the behavior of the Seattle Police Department.  

The original report that began in 2012 showed that law-enforcement frequently used inappropriate measures when interacting with residents of the community. Many of these violated regulations.

The Reasons Behind the Changes in Use of Force

An investigation by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that began in 2012 found a consistent pattern of excessive force that violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The review was triggered by a variety of events, but in particular, one incident where a Seattle officer physically punched a handcuffed woman in the back of their patrol car. 

In response to the DOJ's scathing report, the city created and implemented new policies and training. The focus on non-physical de-escalation strategies is credited for the significant drop in Seattle's serious use of force incidents.

The Staggering Change in Force Statistics

The recent news revealed a stunning turnaround in the number of reported forceful occurrences.  When the DOJ first began investigating the Seattle Police Department, serious force was found to be used in an unconstitutional manner in 20 percent (one out of every five) cases. 

The latest report shows that for the time period between January 2017 through April 2019 only a total of 12 incidents were considered "out of policy." 

You May Still Be in Jeopardy

However, there are still situations where unwarranted and unnecessary force is used when it is not appropriate.

If you or someone you love has encountered the Seattle Police Department, you may have experienced unnecessary excessive force during your dealings with law enforcement. This may have put you in jeopardy of facing serious charges and even jail time.

Know Your Rights When Excessive Force is Used

If you believe you or someone close to you has been the victim of excessive force, it's time to take action. You may have a viable lawsuit against the arresting officers and even the city of Seattle.

Make the smart decision by working with an experienced law firm that delivers personalized service when you face any type of misdemeanor or felony charges. Only a knowledgeable attorney will be able to advise you and protect your rights.

You can take steps to avoid being convicted and sentenced by hiring a reputable team to defend your rights. The Law Offices of Steve Karimi have helped thousands by mounting a strong defense that can often get a charge lessened or dropped completely. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Karimi's skills are unmatched and will benefit your case.

There is no time to delay. Fill out our online contact form, or for more immediate attention, call the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today. We're available 24/7 for you!

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