First question when we get a case is whether there is a racial element involved. It makes all the difference and not in a good way. Even if the conduct or injuries are bad, if the plaintiff is white that is normally a huge plus. It takes all of the motive out of it even if they had put the boots to the perp.
Example: Case I tried last Fall. Middle aged white lady causing a ruckus at the police station. My two white cops are alleged to have dragged her face first by the arms back to the cells. Had a little problem that they allegedly tore her rotator cuff while doing it. No video but the injury matched her story. So we win mostly cause we argue what motive did they have to do this to an older lady? Now if the Plaintiff is black, little harder to make that argument with two white cops and maybe we lose. Race has nothing to do with it in either instance.