What If I Feel My Police Officer is Lying? Current Cases Suggest Clear Police Tracking System

County prosecutors are supposed to maintain “Brady lists” of police officers with credibility problems. If an officer is caught lying, district attorneys are also supposed to inform defense lawyers about violations when the officer gets called to testify in a criminal case.

However, a recent investigation by Wisconsin Watch reveals that Wisconsin lacks a clear and consistent method for tracking police dishonesty. There is no statewide standard or oversight for reporting, and access to information can vary widely from county to county.

Wisconsin Lacks a Clear System for Tracking Dishonest Officers

Wisconsin Watch requested Brady lists from all 72 counties in Wisconsin. Thirty-one counties responded with the names of 360 officers cited for lying. Prosecutors in 17 counties did not supply lists due to legal objections or because they do not track dishonest officers. Twenty-three counties said they did not have names on file.

The publication also reports that Wisconsin has more than 300 “wandering officers.” These police move to other agencies after being fired or resigning from departments over misconduct.

Cases in Wisconsin Involving Police Dishonesty

When there is no system for accounting for a lack of credibility, lies by police officers can slip through the cracks. Dishonest officers may be allowed to give false statements or testimony that could significantly affect a defendant’s life and future.

Recent examples of police caught lying in Wisconsin include:

• A case involving an Appleton police detective who pleaded guilty to forging signatures on warrants. During sentencing, the judge noted the officer's actions “may impugn any number of cases on which he has been involved.”
• A Vernon County police chief who instructed a subordinate to lie about falling asleep at the wheel. The chief told the officer to say their car accident happened when they swerved to miss a dog in the road. Prosecutors in two counties now say they will not charge cases involving the chief.
• A Fond du Lac detective who was ousted from their department after an investigation by state agents revealed the officer had a history of racial profiling and mishandling evidence. The local district attorney stated the detective’s “credibility will be attacked in any testimony he is asked to provide and may present significant hurdles.”

What Should You Do If You Feel a Police Officer Lied?

If you were charged with a crime and believe the arresting police officer is lying or is not credible, contact an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer right away to discuss your case. Attorney Micheal R. Cohen and the Cohen Law offices could stand up for your rights and fight to ensure police dishonesty does not jeopardize your future.

Our firm has fought for clients across Northwest Wisconsin for over 30 years. Criminal law is our focus, and our trial-tested attorneys know what it takes to build a robust defense. If you were arrested and charged with a crime, contact us today or call (715)-643-8778) to learn more about how we can help.