Police brutality is the intentional use of excessive force by a police officer. It is a type of police misconduct. Excessive force is not defined by law because it is different in every set of circumstances. Police officers should act as reasonable and prudent police officers would act in the situation. Police brutality is illegal but is often underreported by the public for fear of retaliation. The internal complaint systems of some police departments are unnecessarily complicated which can also dissuade police brutality victims from reporting their allegations. Victims of police brutality may be able to file lawsuits alleging a violation of civil rights or negligence.