The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA) protects government entities and workers from most personal injury lawsuits. The CGIA shields nearly all public employees and officials from negligence or misconduct claims.

The passage of the Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act in 2020 ended qualified immunity for police officers.

Police brutality happens when law enforcement officers use too much force or violence. This can occur when they're trying to control a situation or arrest someone. Excessive force by police can cause physical or emotional harm, or even death.

Examples of police brutality include:

• unjustified use of deadly force

• excessive physical force

• unnecessary use of firearms, tasers, or pepper spray

• unauthorized chokeholds

• sexual assault or abuse

• rough treatment or abuse while in custody

• improper use of a police dog

Yes. If you can prove that a police officer used excessive force, you can be compensated for pain and suffering, humiliation, medical costs, property damage, and lost income.

Colorado law caps state claims at $424,000 per person or $1,195,000 for multiple victims. 

Individual officers may also be held accountable for misconduct. Officers may pay up to $25,000 or 5 percent of the judgment, whichever is less. This applies only if a court finds the officer didn't act in good faith.