After a potential civil rights violation, preserving evidence can be an important part of documenting what happened. Photos, videos, medical records, witness information, and official documents may help provide a clearer picture of the incident if the matter is later reviewed by an attorney.
Evidence can disappear quickly. Video may be deleted, memories can fade, injuries can heal, and documents may become harder to obtain over time. Taking reasonable steps to preserve information early can help create a more complete record of the incident.
1. Preserve Photos and Videos
Save any photographs or videos related to the incident, including images of:
- Injuries
- Property damage
- The location where the incident occurred
- Police vehicles or equipment
- Officers or other individuals involved
- Conditions before or after the incident
Whenever possible, keep the original files rather than relying only on screenshots, edited versions, or copies uploaded to social media.
Original files may contain additional information, such as the date and time they were created.
2. Keep Medical Records and Document Injuries
If you received medical treatment after the incident, keep copies of any relevant documentation, including:
- Hospital or clinic records
- Discharge paperwork
- Prescriptions
- Medical bills
- Treatment instructions
- Follow-up appointments
Photographs can also help document visible injuries over time.
If injuries change during the days or weeks after the incident, keeping a dated record may provide additional context regarding their progression.
3. Collect Witness Information
If other people witnessed the incident, try to preserve their contact information.
This may include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Any photographs or videos they recorded
Witnesses may remember details that were difficult for you to observe during the incident.
If a witness has video or photographs, consider asking them to preserve the original files.
4. Record Officer and Agency Information
Preserve any identifying information you have regarding the officers or government agencies involved.
This may include:
- Officer names
- Badge numbers
- Patrol vehicle numbers
- Agency or department names
- Physical descriptions
- Location and approximate time of the incident
If you do not know an officer’s name, other identifying details may still be useful later.
5. Keep Official Documents and Communications
Save copies of any documents connected to the incident.
Examples may include:
- Citations
- Arrest paperwork
- Police reports
- Complaint forms
- Court documents
- Emails
- Letters
- Government correspondence
Keep these materials together whenever possible so they are easier to review later.
6. Write Down What Happened
As soon as reasonably possible, write down your recollection of the incident while the details are still fresh.
Your notes may include:
- Date and approximate time
- Location
- What happened before the incident
- What occurred during the incident
- What was said
- Who was present
- Officers or agencies involved
- Any injuries
- Medical treatment received afterward
Try to describe what you personally remember without guessing about facts you are unsure of.
7. Preserve Digital Evidence
Digital information may also be relevant.
Consider preserving:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Call logs
- Social media messages
- Photographs and videos
- Location information
- Relevant online communications
Avoid deleting or modifying original files that could later help document the incident.
It may also be useful to create a secure backup of important digital evidence.
Why Preserving Evidence Matters
Civil rights cases can involve conflicting accounts of what occurred.
Preserving available evidence may help an attorney understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify potential witnesses, determine which agencies or individuals were involved, and evaluate what additional information may need to be obtained.
The specific evidence that matters will depend on the circumstances of each case.
Download the Civil Rights Incident Documentation Checklist
To make the process easier, you can also use our Civil Rights Incident Documentation Checklist to keep track of potentially relevant information and documents.
Download the Checklist
Think Your Civil Rights May Have Been Violated?
If you believe you experienced 警察不当行为, excessive force, unlawful arrest, or another potential civil rights violation, speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your situation and the information that may be relevant.