UseofForce

Lawsuit Alleges Springfield Officer’s Brutal Arrest Highlights City’s Ongoing Use-of-Force Failures

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Springfield, Ore. — A lawsuit filed by a local woman alleges that a police officer used excessive force during a traffic stop, raising concerns about the Springfield Police Department’s accountability following a previous settlement regarding use-of-force incidents. Megan Hanks claims in her lawsuit that Officer Joseph Burke forcefully removed her from her vehicle during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. She alleges that Burke slammed her head and body against her car multiple times, a response she argues was excessive for what she describes as a minor offense. Hanks was arrested on suspicion of … Read more

Jurors Granted Access to Use-of-Force Records in Trial of Former Officers Accused in Tyre Nichols Case

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Memphis, Tenn. – In a significant ruling, a judge has permitted the introduction of prior use-of-force reports involving the former Memphis police officers charged in the case of Tyre Nichols’ death. The decision allows the jury to scrutinize the officers’ previous conduct, providing context that could influence the proceedings. The court’s decision came amid ongoing debates on police accountability and has spotlighted systemic issues within law enforcement practices. Legal experts suggest that showing previous reports can help establish whether there was a pattern of behavior that might have predicted the tragic outcome in Nichols’ case. … Read more