Male officers stripped searched a girlfriend of mine looking for track marks after her husband overdosed in their home.

Question

They turned off body cameras and locked her in her garage while making her do degrading things, touching her breasts and vaginal area, making her crab walk naked in front of three male officers. They took her husbands cell phone and days later told her to reach out to possible people her husband was getting drugs from and tell them to come to her house because she wanted to sleep with them. She’s been through so much therapy over this and the whole story is disgusting. I just want to know if there’s anything she can do to hold these officers accountable. She’s afraid of retaliation because she has three young boys but I can’t stand seeing her continue to relive this day in and day out.

Jeffrey H. Garland · Answer

You are writing about someone else. It's not clear what you are asking for. If these allegations are true, your friend could file an internal affairs complaint against those officers involved. The IA investigation would require her cooperation. Most agencies do not authorize turning off body cameras in the middle of an event except for specified reasons. Your friend could retain a lawyer to investigate a suit against the officers and agency involved. The lawyer could make public records requests for the body cam recordings. You don't say whether the overdose resulted in death. Obviously, this entire incident would arise during the middle of a homocide investigation if there was a death. The police could claim an ongoing investigation privilege to delay disclosure of records and recordings. If this all did happen at a homocide scene, these activities might constitute especially callous and indifferent police behavior. Your description of events is vague and secondhand, but may indicate grounds to investigate criminal activities by those vested with power to protect the public. Yes, your friend has reason to fear retribution. Any group of officers who might unabashedly be involved in such behavior might have no inhibitions against some form of retaliation.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Your friend's situation is deeply troubling and she has rights that should be protected. Encourage her to document everything she remembers about the incident, including dates, times, descriptions of the officers, and any other details she can recall. This documentation can be crucial for any legal action or investigation. 
 
She should consider contacting a lawyer experienced in civil rights or police misconduct cases. Legal advice can provide her with a clear understanding of her options and the steps necessary to pursue justice. An attorney can also offer protection against potential retaliation and ensure her rights are respected throughout the process. 
 
Additionally, she may want to reach out to a victims' advocacy group for support and guidance. These organizations can offer emotional support, assist with navigating the legal system, and connect her with other resources she may need. Remember, she is not alone, and there are people and organizations ready to stand by her side and help her through this challenging time.

Q: Male officers stripped searched a girlfriend of mine looking for track marks after her husband overdosed in their home.