When you fall victim to police brutality, misconduct, or a civil rights violation in Indianapolis, seeking justice can feel like an uphill battle. The harm caused by law enforcement officers, whether from the local police or federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is significant. The Indianapolis civil rights and police brutality lawyers at our personal injury law firm are committed to helping clients who are victims of police misconduct fight for the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Is Indianapolis Police or ICE Misconduct?
Misconduct by law enforcement occurs when officers from law enforcement agencies mandated to protect citizens, like the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) or ICE, violate your constitutional rights. These protection violations are not just mistakes; they are abuses of power. This can include excessive force, false or wrongful arrest, unlawful searches, malicious prosecution, retaliation for exercising your rights, or discriminatory enforcement based on your race or background. An experienced Indianapolis civil rights attorney can help determine if your rights were violated.
How Common Is Police Misconduct in Indianapolis?
Police Scorecard reports 44 killings by police in Indianapolis from 2013–2023—higher than 37% of U.S. departments—and 313 civilian misconduct complaints from 2016–2022, with 2% ruled in favor of civilians.
How Can Victims Get Help?
You have rights and can pursue accountability through official channels.
Indianapolis Police Department Actions
If you experience misconduct by an IMPD officer, you can file a complaint with Internal Affairs or the civilian review board:
IMPD Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Unit:
200 E. Washington St.
Suite 1860
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-327-3440
File a complaint online
To support an IMPD misconduct complaint, act quickly. Document what happened, photograph injuries and the scene, gather witness contacts, and keep copies of all records (medical reports, citations, and others).
Federal Agent Misconduct Actions
For misconduct involving the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG)—for ICE or other DHS agents:
- File online on the website: DHS OIG complaint portal
- Hotline: 1-800-323-8603 (24/7)
- Email: DHSOIGHOTLINE@oig.dhs.gov
- Mail: DHS OIG Hotline, 245 Murray Lane SW, Mail Stop 0305, Washington, DC 20528
Tip: Preserve evidence before filing—write down what happened, save photos/video, and keep witness contacts.
Common Types of Misconduct Cases
Indianapolis residents trust a civil rights lawyer to handle civil rights lawsuits for a wide range of cases, including:
- Excessive force: using more force than is justified
- False arrest: detaining someone without legal justification or probable cause
- Illegal search or seizure: searching a person or property without a warrant or valid reason
- Malicious prosecution: filing charges without cause that are later dismissed
- Police shootings: the wrongful discharge of a firearm causing injury or death
- Failure to intervene: an officer not stopping another’s misconduct
- Recording retaliation: being punished for lawfully filming police activity
- Racial profiling: stops or searches based on discrimination by race or ethnicity
- Denial of medical care: withholding necessary medical attention while in custody
- ICE misconduct: unlawful raids, excessive force, assault, or unlawful detainers
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
For most federal civil rights lawsuits (under 42 U.S.C. § 1983), Indiana state law § 34-11-2-4 applies a 2-year statute of limitations to civil lawsuits; it is crucial to meet these deadlines.
How to Get Help If You Are Injured by an Indianapolis Police Officer
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries due to police brutality or misconduct, an Indianapolis police misconduct attorney will fight tirelessly on your behalf to provide legal representation for your civil rights case when you need to sue the government. A personal injury lawyer from our law firm will investigate the matter, evaluate the evidence of your incident, discuss the legal deadlines that relate to your circumstances, calculate the financial compensation you may be entitled to, and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
With decades of experience, our legal team offers a free consultation to discuss your claim; we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700