Define civil liability in the context of correctional officers.

• A. Liability limited to property damage.
• B. Responsibility for a wrongful act or omission that causes injury to a person or property.
• C. It applies only to criminal acts.
• D. It is unrelated to professional duties.

Answer: (B)

Civil liability means you are legally responsible for a wrongful act or omission that results in injury to a person or damage to property. For correctional officers, this covers situations like negligent supervision, improper procedures, or intentional acts that harm someone or cause property loss. It’s not limited to property damage or to criminal acts alone; civil liability arises under civil law for harm caused by breach of your duty of care. Your professional duties create a duty to protect inmates, staff, and the public, and failing to meet those duties can give rise to civil liability. For example, if inadequate supervision leads to an inmate injury, or if excessive force causes harm, civil liability could attach.