When someone falls victim to police brutality, misconduct, or civil rights violations in Des Moines, they deserve justice for the harm police or other law enforcement officers—like United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—have done. The Des Moines police brutality lawyers at our personal injury law firm are committed to helping victims of police misconduct in Des Moines fight for the justice and compensation they deserve.
In this Article
What Is Des Moines Police or ICE Misconduct?
Misconduct by law enforcement occurs when officers from agencies like the Des Moines Police Department or ICE violate your constitutional or civil rights. These violations can include excessive force, false arrest, unlawful searches, malicious prosecution, retaliation, or discriminatory enforcement. A police misconduct attorney can help you determine if your rights were violated under Iowa law or the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (protection from illegal search and more).
How Common Is Police Misconduct in Des Moines?
Police Scorecard evaluates police departments across violence, accountability, funding, and enforcement. For the Des Moines Police Department, the Scorecard shows 8 people were killed by the police from 2013–2023—higher than 45% of U.S. departments when adjusted per arrest—and records 9 civilian misconduct complaints in 2017, with 44% ruled in favor of civilians.
How to File a Complaint
Victims have rights and can seek accountability through official oversight bodies. Depending on the agency involved, you can file a complaint at the local or federal level.
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission investigates claims of discrimination by government agencies.
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: 515-281-4121
Federal Agent Misconduct Actions
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) hotline: this independent watchdog investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct within DHS and its agencies—including ICE.
Common Types of Misconduct Cases
Actions that may fail to respect an individual’s rights can include:
Excessive use of force: more force than reasonably necessary
False arrest: detained without probable cause of a crime
Illegal search or seizure: a search without a warrant or due process
Malicious prosecution: charges filed without cause that are later dismissed
Failure to intervene: an officer doesn’t stop another’s misconduct
Recording retaliation: being punished for lawfully filming police
Racial profiling: stops or searches based on race or ethnicity
Denial of medical care: withholding needed care while in custody
ICE misconduct: warrantless raids, resisting arrest charges, unlawful detainers, and excessive force
How to Get Help If You Are Injured by a Des Moines Police Officer
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries due to the brutality or misconduct of Des Moines law enforcement officials, take these steps to protect your rights:
Seek medical attention for your injuries and keep all records.
Preserve any evidence, such as photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses.
Do not provide a recorded statement to investigators without legal counsel present.
Contact a police brutality attorney in Des Moines to understand your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Iowa?
Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 generally follow the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. In Iowa, you typically have two years (614.1 Period) from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
If you have experienced police misconduct, you are not alone. Contact a police brutality lawyer in our Des Moines law firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how to protect your rights.
Our Des Moines police brutality lawyers are committed to helping victims of police misconduct.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
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