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.
Legislation
Feb 25, 2026

MPD 2026 Performance Oversight

The current occupation of D.C. and overzealous policing we are witnessing from federal law enforcement agencies alongside officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD, the Department) are not new for some communities. Black, immigrant, and other marginalized people, who have long been over policed and used as scapegoats for policy failures or political fodder, have always been the canaries in the coal mine. And they have also been at the forefront of movements fighting to make this society one that truly protects and keeps all of us safe.
Status: Performance Oversight
Position: Oversight Testimony
Legislation
Apr 04, 2024

Budget Oversight Hearing on the Metropolitan Police Department

Position: Other
Legislation
Dec 13, 2023

Addressing Crime Trends (ACT) Now Amendment Act, Bill 25-0555

Position: Oppose
Legislation
Mar 31, 2023

ACLU-DC Testifies at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the Metropolitan Police Department

Imagine how different D.C. could look if communities currently fighting for survival were actually thriving. If young people had caring adults they trusted and opportunities that set them up for a brighter future. These things cannot, and will not, occur with harmful policing.