Police officers face many sources of legal liabilities, including State and Federal laws and both civil and criminal codes. Although lawsuits against police are directed mainly at field officers, supervisory officials and agencies are increasingly being named as parties or defendants with direct or vicarious liability. In addition, police officers can file lawsuits against their detractors, although few do. It is often less expensive and more effective to punish the culprit criminally for such offenses as deadly assault on a police officer, false report to a police officer, and hindering apprehension or prosecution. To keep their legal liabilities to a minimum, police officers should always act within the scope of their duties, know and follow departmental rules and regulations, keep accurate written records in controversial cases, maintain good relations with the community, and consult with legal counsel or supervisors if in doubt about a course of action. Reference notes and 6 study questions