Police misconduct remains one of the most pressing civil rights issues in New York City. While the NYPD is tasked with protecting residents, there are times when actions cross the line into abuse of power, discrimination, or unlawful violence. These instances not only cause harm to individuals but also erode trust in the justice system.
If you believe your rights have been violated, you are not powerless. Understanding the law, knowing how oversight works, and having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. That’s where The Cochran Firm comes in. With decades of experience fighting for justice, our attorneys stand ready to hold authorities accountable. Call us today at (212) 553-9215 if you or a loved one has been a victim of police misconduct in NYC.
What Counts as Police Misconduct in New York City?
Police misconduct is broader than many people realize. It includes any illegal, inappropriate, or unethical actions taken by officers in the course of their duties. In NYC, the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)—an independent agency—investigates complaints across four categories:
- Force: Use of unnecessary or excessive physical force.
- Abuse of Authority: Improper searches, unlawful stops, bias-based policing, threats, refusal to take complaints, or improper arrests.
- Discourtesy: Verbal abuse or unprofessional treatment.
- Offensive Language: Slurs, discriminatory remarks, or hostile language.
Improper stops and frisks, unlawful arrests, discriminatory targeting, or using chokeholds fall under these categories. The famous case Floyd v. City of New York showed that the NYPD’s widespread stop-and-frisk practice violated the constitutional rights of thousands of New Yorkers.
If you have experienced something similar, The Cochran Firm can help you file a complaint, preserve evidence, and pursue legal remedies. Call (212) 553-9215 today.
Your Civil Rights Under the Law
The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourteenth Amendmentguarantees equal protection under the law, ensuring you are not targeted based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected classes.
NYC also has specific protections:
- Administrative Code §10-181 makes it a crime for an officer to use a chokehold or any restraint that compresses the diaphragm.
- The Right to Know Act requires officers to identify themselves and explain the reason for encounters in most situations.
- The POST Act requires disclosure of surveillance technology policies, so the public knows how tools like drones and facial recognition are used.
Violations of these rights are not just policy breaches—they can form the basis of legal claims for damages.
👉 If you feel these rights have been violated, contact The Cochran Firm at (212) 553-9215 for immediate assistance.
Oversight and Accountability in NYC
Several systems exist to address police misconduct:
- Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB): Investigates and recommends discipline.
- Internal Affairs Bureau: Handles corruption and criminal misconduct.
- NYPD Discipline Matrix: Sets guidelines for punishment of misconduct.
- Court Oversight: As in Floyd, federal courts can require systemic reforms.
However, oversight does not guarantee accountability. Reports show that discipline often falls short, with penalties reduced or cases dismissed. That’s why legal action with the help of an experienced civil rights lawyer is often necessary to achieve real justice.
📞 Don’t wait for oversight agencies to act alone—call The Cochran Firm today at (212) 553-9215.
The Repeal of Civil Rights Law 50-a
For decades, Civil Rights Law §50-a kept police disciplinary records secret. In 2020, following mass protests, New York repealed the law. Now, disciplinary records are subject to public disclosure, and even unsubstantiated complaints cannot be categorically hidden. This transparency gives victims of misconduct more leverage in court and in negotiations.
Still, police unions and city agencies continue to fight disclosure in court. Having an attorney who knows how to access these records can be critical.
The Cochran Firm’s attorneys know how to use transparency laws to strengthen your case. Call us at (212) 553-9215 if you need help uncovering officer histories.
Steps to Take if You Experience Police Misconduct
If you’ve been the victim of misconduct, take these steps:
- Document everything: Write down the date, time, location, officer names, badge numbers, and details.
- Save evidence: Photos, videos, or receipts (like NYPD “stop receipts”) are powerful proof.
- Identify witnesses: Get names and contact information.
- Seek medical care: If injured, get treatment and keep all records.
- File a complaint: Submit to the CCRB or Internal Affairs.
- Contact a lawyer immediately: Strict deadlines apply. In some cases, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Our attorneys at The Cochran Firm have decades of experience handling these cases. 📞 Call us now at (212) 553-9215 for a confidential consultation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Many victims believe filing a complaint with the CCRB is enough. Unfortunately, statistics show that only a fraction of complaints lead to discipline, and even fewer result in meaningful punishment. Without a civil rights lawsuit, there is often no compensation for the victim.
That’s where experienced legal counsel makes the difference:
- We investigate independently.
- We subpoena records and disciplinary histories.
- We build strong cases for damages in federal and state court.
- We ensure your voice is heard.
The Cochran Firm is nationally recognized for its commitment to civil rights and justice. Our mission is to stand up against systemic abuse and secure justice for every client.
👉 If your rights were violated, don’t wait. Call The Cochran Firm today at (212) 553-9215.
Famous NYC Cases That Changed the System
- Floyd v. City of New York (2013): Federal court found NYPD’s stop-and-frisk unconstitutional, leading to federal oversight.
- Eric Garner (2014): Died after being placed in a chokehold, sparking nationwide protests. His death underscored why chokehold bans matter.
- 2020 Protest Cases: The CCRB substantiated dozens of misconduct cases from George Floyd protests, many involving excessive force.
These cases show that change comes only when victims and their advocates fight back. With The Cochran Firm, you have a team ready to push for that change on your behalf.
📞 Call us at (212) 553-9215 if you believe your case deserves to be heard.
Conclusion: Protect Your Rights, Demand Justice
Police misconduct and civil rights violations erode the foundation of justice in New York City. But you are not without options. The law provides remedies, oversight bodies investigate complaints, and courts can impose systemic reforms. Most importantly, you can take legal action to hold officers and agencies accountable.
The Cochran Firm has a proud history of standing up for victims of injustice. Whether you were unlawfully stopped, assaulted, discriminated against, or had your rights ignored, our attorneys are here to fight for you.
📞 Take Action Today
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of police misconduct in NYC:
✅ Document the incident
✅ File a complaint
✅ Call The Cochran Firm at (212) 553-9215
Don’t wait. Deadlines for legal action can be short, and evidence can disappear. With our experience in civil rights litigation, we are ready to protect your rights and pursue justice.
The Cochran Firm — Fighting for Justice, Protecting Your Rights.
