Police brutality is the intentional use of excessive force, usually physical, but potentially also in the form of verbal attacks and psychological intimidation, by a police officer. It is in some instances triggered by “contempt of cop”, i.e., perceived disrespect towards police officers.

Police brutality is one of several forms of police misconduct, which include false arrest, intimidation, racial profiling, political repression, surveillance abuse, sexual abuse, and police corruption.

Police officers are legally permitted to use force, and their superiors—and the public—expect them to do so when appropriate Some members of the public may in fact perceive the use of force by police as excessive even when the force used is lawful.