Lawsuits should be filed both against the department and each responsible officer, including any that refuse to help when they know better.
Whenever an officer or public official exceeds his lawful authority, he should have liability same as any random Joe on the street for the same offense.
This sort of thing happens to thousands of people in the US every day, routinely.
I mean doctors and engineers can both face jail time for negligence. The US Military has strict rules of engagement and soldiers can face court marshal. There’s no reason the police can’t or shouldn’t be held accountable for negligence or worse behavior.
Whenever an officer or public official exceeds his lawful authority, he should have liability same as any random Joe on the street for the same offense.
This sort of thing happens to thousands of people in the US every day, routinely.