Riverside Police Misconduct Lawyer

Riverside Police Misconduct Attorney

Police misconduct can range from unethical inconveniences to illegal, harmful actions. Whatever level of police misconduct you’re experiencing, it can upend your life. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights as a California resident. Navigating state law can be challenging, especially when you’re fighting against law enforcement. A Riverside police misconduct lawyer can help guide you through your case.

Our team at Greg Peacock Law has years of experience handling police misconduct cases throughout California. We’re ready to represent you and help you recover the damages you’re owed.

Police Misconduct

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Common Police Misconduct Cases in Riverside

Police misconduct refers to any inappropriate or illegal actions taken by law enforcement, whether they are on or off duty. California is known for its higher rate of police misconduct incidents, highlighting the importance of understanding how to identify and protect yourself in these situations.

At Greg Peacock Law, we’ve represented people in cases that have involved many different types of misconduct, including (but not limited to):

• Excessive force. Law enforcement is allowed to use force in certain cases, but it’s possible for that force to be deemed excessive or unreasonable. In 2024, police across the country killed at least 1,252 people. However, offending officers were successfully charged in only nine of the cases involving killing by police. In California, Black residents are three times more likely to be killed or injured by law enforcement.
• Failure to intervene. Police officers have a duty to hold each other accountable and to report issues of misconduct to their superiors. If officers allow their colleagues to violate a citizen’s rights, they can be prosecuted for letting the situation occur.
• Racial profiling. Police officers must establish probable cause before conducting a search or making an arrest. It’s illegal for law enforcement to search an individual based on their appearance or race. Additionally, it’s illegal for them to arrest someone solely because they match a suspect’s racial description.
• Sexual misconduct. Law enforcement officers are not allowed to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts, whether it’s on duty with a person in their custody or at any other point in time. This includes rape, sexual contact by force, the threat of force or coercion, and unwanted sexual contact like groping.
• Wrongful arrest. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, so be sure to exercise those rights. Moreover, California Assembly Bill 2773, which passed in 2024, requires police officers to state the reason for a traffic stop before asking any questions.

About the Riverside Police Department

The Riverside Police Department (RPD) serves and protects residents and businesses throughout Riverside under Chief of Police Larry Gonzalez. Chief Gonzalez has been a part of RPD for over 25 years and has been an instructor at the Riverside Sheriff’s Academy for over 20 years.

The RPD’s priority is to provide both reactive and proactive services to ensure public safety and strengthen the Riverside community through continued education and training opportunities for all officers, civilian employees, and command staff.

The RPD is divided into two bodies:

• Department Administration. This department handles activities like department budgets, facility maintenance, grant research and development, and more. It also consists of the Training Bureau, which maintains all law enforcement training plans.
• Department Operations. Under the command of Deputy Chief Frank Assuma, this department consists of Field Operations, Investigations, and Special Operations.

The RPD policy manual outlines the mission statement of the department: We are leaders, we are the community, we are a force of good. It also goes on to state that RPD is built on a foundation of integrity, service, and excellence.

How to File a Police Misconduct Complaint in Riverside

If you’d like to file a police misconduct report against a police officer, you can typically do so with the RPD or the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC). Regardless, they’ll be reviewed by the CPRC. Complaints of misconduct must be reported within six months of the incident to be reviewed and investigated.

FAQs About Riverside, CA Police Misconduct Laws

Can I File a Case Against a Riverside Police Officer for Misconduct?

Any person who feels that a police officer or other department employee in Riverside has engaged in some form of misconduct can report the offender to the Riverside Police Department (RPD) or the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC). If the alleged incident involved a sheriff’s deputy, you may also file a complaint with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

What Is the Average Settlement for Police Misconduct in Riverside?

The settlement amount you can receive for a police misconduct case in Riverside depends on a variety of factors, including the offending officer’s record, the quality of your evidence, and the severity of the misconduct. A Riverside police misconduct lawyer has the skills and resources to help gather sufficient evidence and build a strong case to get you a fair settlement amount.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to File a Case Against the Riverside Police Department?

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of police misconduct in Riverside, it’s important to work with an experienced professional who can understand the nuances of your case. Luckily, Riverside police misconduct lawyers can help you focus on specific types of police misconduct so you can be sure you’re working with skilled professionals.

What Is Considered Unethical Behavior for a Riverside Police Officer?

Unethical behavior for a police officer includes anything that goes against their duty to secure and maintain public safety. The RPD states that while no written guide can anticipate every action a person can take or predict every contingency, it’s important to have a policy in place that clearly states the expectations for all law enforcement officers.

Connect With a Riverside Police Misconduct Lawyer to Set Up a Consultation Today

At Greg Peacock Law, we are passionate about holding police accountable for misconduct. In fact, police misconduct cases are the only civil claims we take on, meaning we have in-depth experience in this area. Greg Peacock has represented clients in cases against local police officers and federal agents alike.

Our team is committed to helping you recover the damages you’re owed. If you’re ready to talk about your case, reach out to our office to set up a consultation and talk with a Riverside police misconduct lawyer today.