Coronado, CA asked in Civil Rights for California

Q: Are there any cases where the municipal entity was found liable for the misconduct of it's police?

I need to find out if and under what conditions the governing entity would be liable for the actions of their police officers. Example: 2 on duty Police Officers knowingly assist someone in filing false documents to incriminate someone. That person ends up being found innocent of all charges in all 5 cases against him. What would be needed in a civil lawsuit in order to show they were liable or are there any cases related to something similar I might be able to read over? Thanks in advanced.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Marshall Jason Ray
Marshall Jason Ray
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Albuquerque, NM

A: Municipalities are not automatically liable for civil rights violations committed by their officers. Municipal entities may be held liable for civil rights violations carried out by their officers if those violations were done pursuant to an official policy or pattern of practice.

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