Critical Issues in Police Civil Liability

I can summarize this book in 10 words:The less work you do, the less liable you are.This book chronicles many lawsuits that police departments around the country have faced. The sad part is that the main point repeated in case after case is that, if the police ignored what they saw and simply drove past the person in need or the crime they witnessed, they wouldn't have lost the lawsuit.I found this book depressing, as case after case showed that, if a criminal is committing a crime and they sue, they just might hit the jackpot (or if they kill themselves fleeing or fighting with the police, their families may hit the jackpot). Sadly, the author points out his socialistic leanings by stating that he believes that society as a whole should have to shoulder the burden of one person's damages, be they real or simply emotional. This text also reminds officers of the fact that the law does not see police officers as people, but as an evil entity that has forfeited the same civil rights that other Amercian citizens take for granted. This book even explicitly states that police officers "do not give up all civil rights" and that they retain some, as if the oath of office states that they are no longer American citizens.America needs to read this book and learn that they are getting less and less likely to actually receive help from the police due to these lawsuits.Overall, the book was entertaining (despite its depressing analysis of the law) to read. Most of the book recounts actual cases which makes it a much easier text to read than most books focusing on law. I just felt, after reading this, that I am the only one who sees the impending decline of civilization and that I envision a totally lawless society, as the system just keeps punishing the government for other peoples' wrongs. It just seems that the public doesn't understand that they are only punishing themselves (who do they think pay these settlements and with each ridiculous succesful lawsuit, do they think that the police will stop to help?..as one case from this book shows, an officer was at fault because he stopped to help a stranded motorist and another motorist hit him, but that if he didn't stop to help, the guy receiving assistance couldn't have sued when he was hit).

As a career law officer and University instructor, I have not only used this book to increase my personal knowledge but have chosen it to teach Criminal Justice classes. The information contained in the book gives important analysis of the evergrowing concern of lawsuits against the police in our litigation prone society. Kappeler provides an easy to understand format containing the crucial areas of concern for not only newly recruited officers but for veterans as well. The paperback book is very affordable and should be considered required reading for officers around the country. If you have not guessed by now... I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in enhancing or safeguarding their career in law enforcement.