Documenting your injuries

Documenting your injuries: Just as you would and/or should document your injuries inflicted upon you by another individual(s), it is also crucial to document any injuries suffered at the hands of a  member(s) of a police force. This documentation will be beneficial to you should you decide to put forward a lawsuit or if charges are laid against you. What you should do:

Photograph your injuries immediately

[Try to use a white wall as your backdrop. Avoid clutter.]

1. Have one photo taken of your whole body

2. Zoom in to each individual injury

 3. Photograph each injury from different angles and in different light conditions (direct sunlight, flash, etc.)

4. Measure the size of particularly large injuries. Place an object of a fixed size to demonstrate its proportion.

5. Make sure you repeatedly photograph your injuries to show how they have progressed.

6. Label each photograph with a number and date them. Also record who the photograph was taken by.

7. It is also very important that you photograph the location of the incident. Try to include a street signs or a landmark that will show where the incident took place. Take a long shot first and then zoom in. Try to include all angles.

See your doctor ASAP

Your physician knows you best. Try to see a doctor who regularly treats you and knows of your medical history. If you don't have a doctor or cannot afford to see one, contact one of your local organizers and they will help direct you to receive medical attention.

1. Show and tell the doctor, nurse, technician, etc. about your injuries and how you got them.

2. Request that your injuries be recorded in writing in detail, especially those that are not visible (sprains, strains, broken bones).

3. Keep a written record of all your follow up treatments. Include doctor's name, date, time and reason for treatment.

4. Keep a record of all your prescriptions and/or referrals

1. Record all your discomforts due to your injuries, aches or pains, how you feel physically and emotionally.

2. Write down anything related to your injuries or the incident that led to them (days missed at work/school, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, change in appetite, etc.)

3. Write in your diary all the details of the incident that you can recall. Add more details later on as you remember and become more clear thinking. WARNING: Under no circumstances must you give your account of the incident to your local police office since it will most likely be used against you should you decide to file a lawsuit against them.

1. Do not throw away or wash the clothes that you wore during the incident -- especially if they are torn or have blood satins on them. Place them in a garbage bag and keep them for later reference.

2. Keep an organized file of all the paperwork relating to the incident including arrest report, court papers, print media coverage, counsel correspondence, etc.

3. Build a support system. Contact one of your local organizations that deal with the issues of police accountability.