Police Practices and Police Misconduct

Police officers have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety – a job they must perform without trampling individuals’ civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU works to ensure that police officers interact with the public on a race-neutral basis and with respect for individuals’ constitutional rights. Through policy advocacy and in court, we hold police officers and agencies accountable to the public that they serve.

Police

Police officers have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety – a job they must perform without trampling individuals’ civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU works to ensure that police officers interact with the public on a race-neutral basis and with respect for individuals’ constitutional rights. Through policy advocacy and in court, we hold police officers and agencies accountable to the public that they serve.

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News & Commentary
A group of uniformed soldiers gather around the back of a pickup truck on a city street, while a few civilians stand nearby. Behind them are colorful murals and a large sign advertising live music events.

Know Your Rights in Encounters with Law Enforcement and Military Troops

The recent militarization of D.C. is a reminder of how quickly government power can expand. Our guide explains what to do if you’re stopped by police or troops.
Know Your Rights
Stylized graphic of police officers in uniform wearing bulletproof vests, tinted red against a blue background. The design uses sharp geometric framing and halftone texture.

Encountering Law Enforcement and Military Troops in D.C.

No matter what uniform they wear, federal agents and military troops are bound by the Constitution, including our rights to peaceful assembly and due process.
Resource
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News & Commentary
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D.C. Has a Police Abuse Problem

Police abuse in the District causes significant harm, costs millions of dollars, and undermines the whole justice system. It’s clearly time for District leaders to invest in police accountability solutions.
Court Case
Jul 25, 2025

Martin v. United States – Fighting to preserve federal officer accountability for constitutional violations

Court Case
Sep 07, 2023

Molina v. Book – Advancing the right to observe police, and challenging qualified immunity doctrine, which shields officials from constitutional accountability

In 2015, police officers shot tear gas at two legal observers with bright green "Legal Observer" hats. The court ruled that words printed on clothing are not entitled to First Amendment protections. Together with the National ACLU and the ACLU of Missouri, we petitioned SCOTUS to review the case.
Court Case
Nov 04, 2021

Cameron v. District of Columbia – Challenging Practice of Needlessly Retaining Arrested Individuals' Cell Phones for Months or Years Without Process

Court Case
Aug 12, 2021

Asinor v. District of Columbia – Challenging Use of Chemical Irritants and Less-Lethal Projectiles Against Demonstrators and Journalists

The ACLU-DC filed a lawsuit on behalf of two photojournalists against the District of Columbia and 8 D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers for unleashing chemical irritants and stun grenades one month after the D.C. Council instilled a ban on the use of these weapons during demonstrations.