Know Your Rights: Police Encounters
Last updated: June 7, 2023 11:30 am
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The police violated my rights. What do I do?
Strengthen your case
- When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
File a complaint
- File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Trouble finding the complaint form for your police or sherriff's department? Contact us.
Additional resources
- If you were stopped by a Milwaukee Police Department officer, but not ticketed or arrested, email us at stopandfrisk@aclu-wi.org.
- If you want more information regarding legal redress, submit our intake form. Please note: Your communication with us does not create an agreement for us to provide you legal advice or representation. We cannot promise you that the information you provide will lead to any specific action on the part of the ACLU of Wisconsin.
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