The U.S. Supreme Court has given law enforcement departments wide immunity, ruling in a 1998 case that involved the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Justices ruled the deputy's actions did not reach a level that would "shock the conscience," and neither he (the officer) nor the county could be held responsible.
More power, less responsibility
U.S. Supreme Court ruling expands police powers and decreases accountability.
California's Fourth Appellate Court
... we wish to express our displeasure with the current version of section 17004.7. As noted, one reason for extending immunity to a public entity that adopts a written policy on vehicle pursuits is to advance the goal of public safety. But the law in its current state simply grants a "get out of liability free card" to public entities that go through the formality of adopting such a policy. There is no requirement the public entity implement the policy through training or other means. Simply adopting the policy is sufficient under the current state of the law.
