Which of the following is an example of a civil rights violation?

Excessive use of force is a clear example of a civil rights violation because it directly infringes on an individual's rights to not be subjected to unreasonable seizures or punishment, as outlined in the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Law enforcement officers are given the authority to enforce the law, but this authority comes with the responsibility to do so within the limits of the law and with respect for the rights of the individuals involved. When an officer uses more force than is necessary to handle a situation, it not only violates departmental policies and training standards but also infringes upon the civil rights of the individual being confronted.

The other options presented do not constitute civil rights violations in the same way. Traffic violations and unfounded criminal reports pertain more to procedural issues rather than direct violations of a person’s civil rights, while failure to issue a citation can be based on the officer's discretion and does not inherently violate someone's civil rights. This context helps to emphasize why excessive use of force stands out as a significant violation in terms of civil rights.