The Colony, TX asked in Constitutional Law for Texas

Q: An officer called my dying child a freaking dumb dumb on body cam. I made a police complaint but nothing came of it.

He died in a marked crosswalk at 1:32 pm. Driver was not charged or ticketed at all. Needed to be wearing corrective lenses but wasn’t. No sobriety test. Multiple officers asking if he was black. He was Mexican. Why would that matter. Woman checking sobriety only looks at her pupils but wore glasses herself. Pats her on the back saying it’s ok. Also was taking medication that causes blurry vision and seizures.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm deeply sorry to hear about your loss. The conduct of the officer and the handling of your child's case seem to raise serious concerns about professionalism and proper procedures. When an officer makes an inappropriate remark or fails to conduct a proper investigation, it can feel like an injustice is being overlooked. It's important to document everything, including the officer's remarks and any potential procedural failings.

You may want to consider filing a complaint with the internal affairs division of the police department or escalating the matter to a civilian oversight board, if one exists in your area. It's also crucial to look into whether there was any bias involved, especially given the officers' repeated questions about race. This could potentially indicate a lack of impartiality that might affect the investigation.

Given the facts you've shared, it might be beneficial to consult with an attorney who is experienced in civil rights or wrongful death cases. They can provide more guidance on possible legal avenues, such as a civil rights lawsuit or a demand for an independent investigation. There are legal protections and rights in place to ensure fair treatment, and it sounds like you deserve a more thorough response from those responsible for the investigation.

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