> Unfortunately a lawsuit would empty the purses of
> taxpayers, unless the laws in Kentucky allow individual
> officers to be sued.
If the municipality or state signing the officer’s paycheck say that he committed this act as a part of his official duty, then, yes, the governing entity’s insurance company will have to pay, and their insurance premiums will be increased accordingly.
If, on the other hand, they say that the officer acted outside of the prescribed set of actions for the situation, then the officer’s insurance will have to pay. If the officer has no insurance, everything he has that can be liquidated is on the line.
They are responsible for hiring and supervising the police, so it should be on their shoulders when one goes rogue, IMO.
As for the taxpayers, they can a) swallow the tax increase and loss of services; b) move; or c) exercise proper oversight on their government so police don't go rogue.