Surviving The Aftermath of Police Encounters: A Legal Expert's Guide
HOW DO I SURVIVE THIS? - Episode 4
“The law is meant to be my servant and not my master" James Baldwin
Kisha A. Brown, CEO of Justis Connection, offers invaluable insights on navigating the aftermath of police violence. Her expertise sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of these traumatic events, providing a roadmap for families seeking justice and healing.
The Hidden Reality of Police Encounters
Brown reveals a sobering truth: police violence occurs daily, disproportionately affecting Black communities. Many incidents go unnoticed, leaving families to grapple with grief and confusion alone.
"There's no fanfare, there's no newspaper write up. It just happens," Brown explains.
Immediate Steps for Families
While acknowledging the overwhelming nature of the situation, Brown emphasizes the importance of gathering information quickly:
Document the scene if possible
Connect with an attorney promptly
Speak to multiple lawyers to find the right fit
Brown stresses that friends and extended family can play a crucial role in these initial steps, allowing those most directly impacted to focus on grieving.
Understanding Legal Options
Brown breaks down the two main avenues for seeking justice:
Criminal charges: Pursued by prosecutors against individual officers
Civil lawsuits: Filed by families against police departments or cities
She explains the challenges of overcoming qualified immunity and the reality that cities often budget for police brutality settlements.
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge
"The law is meant to be my servant and not my master," Brown quotes James Baldwin, emphasizing that communities have more power than they realize. She encourages:
Researching local police complaint procedures
Engaging with local politicians about these processes
Supporting and utilizing Black lawyers as a community resource
Visit justisconnection.com to access legal resources, tips, and support for both individuals and Black lawyers working to create change.
Brown's insights offer a beacon of hope and practical guidance for those navigating the complex aftermath of police violence. To hear more of her powerful perspective, listen to the full episode of Say Their Name.
Ready to dive deeper into this crucial topic? Listen to the full episode for more invaluable in-depth insights from Kisha A. Brown. And remember, until truth and justice are obtained, we will always Say Their Name.