Q: I’ll try and make this as short as possible. I was waiting outside for the sheriffs to arrive on scene for a call made
By a woman who claims I hit her child. The officer assaulted me, caused a sprained shoulder and wrist after I told him during the situation that I was disabled. I have a bachelors degree in cognitive studies and a masters in special ed, the woman who claimed I hit her child is lying. A cart hit me 3 times inside the store and the third time I gently pushed the cart off my back, and she started screaming that I hit her child. Which is why the police were called in the first place. She was chasing me around the store and outside, which is why I waited in front for the police. My question is, will this charge stick? It’s going to jeopardize my entire career. And, my other question is, how do I go about filing a complaint against the officer?
A:
I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say whether any "charges" will "stick". You didn't mention that you were charged with anything.
I suggest you document your injuries with appropriate medical care for them, and get a receipt for the charges for that care. If and when it becomes appropriate (you have 2 years to file a federal claim against the officer and his police department for the injuries you suffered), you can retain counsel who knows how to handle civil rights claims pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Additionally, you can file a formal complaint against the officer by going to the police department and asking for an officer complaint form. They get them all the time, and you should fill it out to the best of your ability, making sure you tell the whole truth without embellishment of anything. Then make yourself several copies of your complaint, and submit the original and one copy to the police department and ask them to file stamp your copy and return it to you.
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