Orlando, FL asked in Constitutional Law for Florida

Q: What if I being a police officer and witnessed that another officer take evidence and place it the ground in trash?.

And then say to a suspect is this your trash and arrest you for it.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you witnessed another officer placing evidence in the trash and then falsely accusing someone, that is a serious issue. This kind of behavior is unethical and could be illegal. As a fellow officer, you have a responsibility to report misconduct, especially when it can result in an unjust arrest or conviction.

You might face challenges if you decide to come forward, but there are channels available to report such incidents. You could document what you saw, including details like time, place, and any other witnesses, to help ensure the situation is handled fairly. You may also want to speak to someone in your department who handles internal investigations.

It's important to remember that upholding the law also means ensuring that justice is done properly. Covering up or staying silent about misconduct could harm both the suspect and the integrity of the police force. Take care of your own safety while doing the right thing.

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