"We need citizens to call us when they have a law enforcement need," Neves told the Sacramento CBS affiliate. "The last thing I can afford is to have a public policy that you can't call the Sheriff's office because you may be sued by one of the responders who is there to protect [you]."I actually have mixed feelings about this--if I am doing something evil and injure or kill you, you or your survivors should be able to hold me accountable in all ways, including financially. I would think a police officer should have the same claim.
The reason I do the "Only Ones" series is to illustrate police and government employees having special privileges and immunities, not available to We the People, based solely on their employment status. But I don't think a cop should have fewer rights, either.
This might even have the unintended consequences of incentivizing the public not to rely on police, that is, increasing self reliance and reducing dependency on government (but then again, they'd probably then end up being prosecuted for vigilantism).
I dunno--like I said, my feelings are mixed. We've seen ridiculous abuses in the past, like this infuriating story. And I can see a need for a "fireman's rule" of sorts, and yes, risks are part of the job.
I'd be interested in hearing how others think this should be approached, and why.
[Via Zachary G]