The badge is not above the law.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause…”The Fourth Amendment. James’s favourite paragraph.

1. The Fourth Amendment

   Protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures: stops, frisks, searches of your car, home and phone, arrests and the use of force.

   U.S. Constitution, Amendment IV

2. Suing the officer

   A federal law lets people sue state and local officials who violate their constitutional rights. Officers often argue “qualified immunity”; fighting through it is part of the work.

   42 U.S.C. § 1983

3. You can film police

   The federal appeals court that covers Georgia has recognized a First Amendment right to record police doing their jobs in public, subject to reasonable limits.

   Smith v. City of Cumming, 11th Cir. (2000)

4. The clock

   Claims like these in Georgia generally have a two-year limit, and a claim against a city or county can need written notice within months. Don't wait.