NCJ Number
54063
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS TRAINING FILM ON POLICE CIVIL LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENT USE OF FIREARMS ILLUSTRATES SIX CASE STUDIES FOR DISCUSSION. POLICE CIVIL LIABILITY SUITS INCREASED BY 446 PERCENT FROM 1967-1971.
Abstract
THESE LIABILITY SUITS CAUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT INSURANCE RATES TO RISE, AND THEY OFTEN RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF THE OFFICER FROM THE FORCE. IN 1977 ALONE, 12,000 SUITS WERE FILED AGAINST DEPARTMENTS FOR EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE BY ARRESTING OFFICERS. IT IS NECESSARY FOR POLICE TO KNOW WHEN THEY CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR USING THEIR WEAPONS OR HANDLING THEM NEGLIGENTLY. TWO EPISODES FOR DISCUSSION DEPICT ARRESTING OFFICERS WHO KILL SUSPECTS DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN ONE CASE, THE WOUNDED SUSPECT WAS ACTUALLY THE PROPRIETOR OF THE BUILDING BEING ROBBED. TWO INCIDENTS INVOLVE POLICE SHOOTINGS OF BYSTANDERS WHO WERE CAUGHT IN THE LINE OF FIRE BEING EXCHANGED WITH CRIMINALS. A SUSPECT IS KILLED ACCIDENTALLY IN ANOTHER SCENE WHEN A POLICE OFFICER'S GUN DISCHARGES. THE FINAL EPISODE DEPICTS A POLICE OFFICER WHO CARELESSLY LAYS HIS GUN DOWN IN HIS HOME. LATER, TWO CHILDREN PLAY WITH THE GUN; IT DISCHARGES, KILLING ONE OF THE CHILDREN. (DAG)