FBI Community Outreach on Color of Law
About the FBI Color of Law Training: This course, developed by the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, educates law enforcement agencies and community members on the FBI’s role in investigating federal “Color of Law” violations. There is no charge for this course, and our previous trainings hosted throughout Arkansas are consistently highly rated and well received by many participants. Our presentation seeks to dispel misconceptions, facilitate constructive dialog, and increase cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Our presentation is conducted by FBI agents who are veterans in investigating federal civil rights violations. Our training is interactive and encourages audience members to share thoughts and perspectives on real-world case studies.
What is a Color of Law violation?
Law enforcement officers and other officials like judges and prosecutors have been given tremendous power by local, state, and federal government agencies—authority they must have to enforce the law and ensure justice in our country. These powers include the authority to detain and arrest suspects, to search and seize property, to bring criminal charges, to make rulings in court, and to use deadly force in certain situations.
Preventing abuse of this authority, however, is equally necessary to the health of our nation’s democracy. That’s why it’s a federal crime for anyone to use their position to willfully deprive or conspire to deprive a person of a right protected by the Constitution or U.S. law.
The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating color of law violations, which include acts carried out by government officials operating both within and beyond the limits of their lawful authority. Off-duty conduct may be covered if the perpetrator used their official status in some way.
Color of law violations include, but are not limited to:
Sexual assault: Sexual assault by officials acting under color of law can happen in jails, during traffic stops, or in other settings where officials might use their position of authority to coerce an individual.
False arrest and obstruction of justice: The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right against unreasonable searches or seizures and prohibits the use of cruel and unusual punishment. The Fourteenth Amendment secures the right to due process—meaning a person accused of a crime must be allowed the opportunity to have a trial.
Deprivation of medical care: People in custody have a right to medical treatment for serious medical needs. An official acting under color of law who recognizes the serious medical need, but knowingly and willfully denies or prevents access to medical care may have committed a federal violation.
Failure to keep from harm: The public counts on its law enforcement officials to protect local communities. If it’s shown that an official willfully failed to keep an individual from harm, that official could be in violation of the color of law statute.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE THROUGH THE EVENT WEBSITE:
https://sites.google.com/view/fbilrcaaa25/home
Date and Time
Tuesday May 21, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Tuesday, May 21st
12:00-1:00 PM
Location
Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
612 Garrison Avenue
Fees/Admission
$15
*tickets must be pre-purchased through the event website
Contact Information
Tonya Sarlls
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