We discussed whether criminal justice professionals (e.g., law enforcement offic

Question

We discussed whether criminal justice professionals (e.g., law enforcement officers, correctional facilities, correction officers, etc.) have an affirmative duty to protect citizens. A violent and dangerous inmate serving time in a facility was given “trustee status” at the facility. As a result, a law enforcement officer allowed the inmate to drive a marked patrol car. While driving the marked patrol car, the inmate pulled over a young woman and murdered her. Based on our class discussion, do you think a court would find the police officer liable in a civil case for the death of the victim? Why or why not? What case is on point?

Explanation / Answer

An inmate is Granted the trustee status depending on their conduct in terms of their behaviour, grooming, helping etc. that meet the prison officials' expectation. Certain behaviours do not change immediately but they take their own time.

In this case, the inmate was known for his violent and dangerous behaviours but still he was allowed to drive a patrol car. There are multiple implications such as the inmate might have escaped with the car, might have drunk and the driven etc.

So, in this case, the police officer is 100% responsible by helping the inmate commit a crime. Until the inmate is released after the serve time is over, it's the officer's responsibility to protect people and deter people from involved in crime.

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