SCHMELTERJ_CRJ310_MODULE 5Departmental discipline was imposed by various police stations to ensure that police officers did not violate agency policy. It is mandatory for officers to follow ministerial restrictions on how to initiate an investigation, when to continue it, and when to end it. Although failure to comply with departmental policy may lead to internal discipline, this in itself is not a sufficient reason to impose civil liability. However, in cases where officers go too far and violate citizens' rights, the victim of misconduct has the right to take action under federal and state laws. Civil rights laws protect citizens from abuse by government authorities and law enforcement. These laws permit attorney, compensatory, and disciplinary damages to provide incentives to compensate injured parties and enforce their rights. According to Heath, there are three ways civilians can file a complaint about law enforcement brutality or misconduct. Means include: internal complaints, criminal complaints and civil suits. Citizens have the right to use any of these means to report brutality. In the case of aggrieved citizens, they are required to take legal action in the form of a misdemeanor. Tort laws allow civilians to be compensated for damages suffered due to an officer's action. This form of claim in civil lawsuits is where the plaintiff usually receives compensation for damages in the form of money. However, the liability of law enforcement officials for damages in a state tort action depends entirely on the immunities constituted by state law. Kappelle (2006), alleges that victims of brutality are expected to sue an officer based on their individual's constitutional and legal rights. common law rights are violated. Middle of paper ......with responsibility, accountability and transparency. Subsequently, this will deprive law enforcement criminals of the opportunity to profit from crimes and illegal activities. In conclusion, civil liability benefits innocent citizens injured by a police officer and provides them with a means to report cases of police vice and brutality. References Burns, RG (2013). Policing: A Modular Approach, First Edition. Ph. Business Professional. Heath B. and Grant, K. J. (2011). Law enforcement in the 21st century. Prentice Hall. Kappelle, V. E. (2006). Police Liability: Supreme Court Cases and Papers. WavelandPress. Miller, S. and Blackler, J. (2004). Ethical issues in policing. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate. Prenzler, T. and Ransley, J. (2002). Police reform: strengthening integrity. Annandale, New South Wales: HawkinsPress.