Police brutality is the use of excess force to arrest criminals and to control crowds and of torture to interrogate detainees and prisoners. It is used to intimidate individuals. The methods of police brutality are like those of torture: beating; threats of violence; denial of food, drink, or rest to the person interrogated; prolonged questioning and the like. Because the methods are often used in secret it is impossible to determine their extent. When used against crowds or individuals in public places, witnesses are intimidated or killed, inquiries are suppressed or guilty officers are let off with minor sentences.
Police brutality is widespread and in some places expected and even encouraged by governments. In 1992, allegations of excessive South African police brutality were announced by a local prosecutor who found that out of 200 deaths in custody, 90% of the prisoners had been tortured and killed by policemen in charge.