Police and other authorities have great power over the communities they serve. They have the ability to stop vehicles, conduct searches and take other measures deemed appropriate to remove those who could be a threat to members of the community. Although many officers use this power honorably, there are a few who do not. This has led to questions about how we hold those who abuse the power accountable for their actions.
The abuses can lead to serious questions. Can victims hold officers accountable if suspects die while in their custody? This question has received media attention with police brutality cases in recent months, but the full reach can extend even beyond these extreme examples. What if an officer pockets expensive collectible coins while executing a search warrant?
