Colorado POST Practice Exam

What is considered a negligent act in law enforcement?

1. Failing to follow orders

2. Not acting when required, leading to harm

3. Acting outside of jurisdiction

4. Ignoring radio calls

The correct answer is: Not acting when required, leading to harm

In the context of law enforcement, a negligent act is defined as a failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances, leading to harm. Not acting when required is a clear demonstration of negligence, especially if this inaction results in injury or further harm to a person or property. Law enforcement officers have a duty to protect the public, and when they do not take appropriate action in situations where it is warranted, they can be found liable for negligence. The other options represent different behaviors that could be considered problematic in law enforcement, but they do not directly exemplify negligence in the same way. For instance, failing to follow orders may indicate disobedience or insubordination rather than a failure to prevent harm. Acting outside of jurisdiction could constitute an abuse of power or improper conduct, while ignoring radio calls may suggest a lack of communication but does not necessarily imply a direct link to causing harm. The core aspect of negligence is rooted in the failure to act when there is a clear duty to do so, which is why the second choice encapsulates the essence of negligent acts in law enforcement.