Holding DC Police Accountable for Alleged Unconstitutional Search Warrant Practices
Multiple cases
Between 2014 and 2015 we filed multiple lawsuits against the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, DC that alleged that MPD routinely obtains search warrants unsupported by probable cause and uses excessive force when executing these warrants, physically assaulting people, damaging their property, and endangering their lives.
Each of these lawsuits allege that MPD had no specific evidence connecting the homes searched to any illegal activity – instead claiming their “knowledge” and “experience” led them to believe a search would uncover evidence. Per the complaints, our plaintiffs report being terrorized by MPD officers who ransacked their homes, seized their property, and in some cases, physically and sexually assaulted plaintiffs during the execution of search warrants. In each of these cases, MPD found no evidence of illegal activity.
In federal court, our lawsuits challenged the systemic misconduct and recklessness of the MPD in obtaining and executing search warrants, alleging that these actions are an egregious violation of constitutional rights.
MPD settled each of these cases, paying monetary damages to each of our plaintiffs.
Media Coverage:
Filings:
Amended Complaint: Dorsey (Feb 10, 2016)
Davis: Amended Complaint (Feb 9, 2016)
Lane: Amended Complaint (Sep 25, 2015)
Pitts: Amended Complaint (May 24, 2015)
S.H.: Amended Complaint (Apr 22, 2015)
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