Is law enforcemnt liable for damages to property in the line of duty?

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ebonisun

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Sheriff's department responded to a call. Teargas was thrown through windows of the house to get suspect out. Suspect was not inside. 7 windows were broken, blinds and curtains were damaged. Front and back door damaged and glass is everywhere -all b/c of throwing the tear gas through the windows. They said all clothes and cloth material will have to be washed and the smell still brings tears to your eyes in the house. This happened about a week ago. They say that they will repair the damages, but are giving my friend (who owns the house) the run arounds and may not continue to put her up in a hotel until damages are repaired. Are they responsible? Please advise.
I have seem where some say they are and some say they aren't. Florida is the state. Someone from the force said that they have a "general advocate fund" for this type stuff and they keep saying it will be fixed. It's just very frustrating is all.
 
Yes but they wont accept the responsibility voluntarily; your friend need to put a formal civil case against the sheriff department.

It has been done in the past and I remember a case in which the police department was forced to pay for the cleaning, the owner still complained about physical discomfort like allergy due to the chemicals at the end the goverment was forced to basically buy and pay the house in full since the cleaning was not working.

It takes some fighting to force the government to pay for the house but yes they are responsible.
 
Yes but they wont accept the responsibility voluntarily; your friend need to put a formal civil case against the sheriff department.

It has been done in the past and I remember a case in which the police department was forced to pay for the cleaning, the owner still complained about physical discomfort like allergy due to the chemicals at the end the goverment was forced to basically buy and pay the house in full since the cleaning was not working.

It takes some fighting to force the government to pay for the house but yes they are responsible.
 
I'd have to know what police department and in what state. Usually, they are not liable at all. They are covered under Sovereign Immunity. Some such departments have a compensation fund, but that will only cover a fraction of the actual costs.
 
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