What legal doctrine holds an employing agency liable for the actions of its peace officers?

The legal doctrine that holds an employing agency liable for the actions of its peace officers is known as respondeat superior. This principle establishes that an employer can be held responsible for the actions of its employees when those actions occur in the course of their employment.

In the context of law enforcement, when a police officer engages in conduct that is within the scope of their official duties, the agency that employs that officer may face liability for any resulting harm or damages. This doctrine is essential because it encourages employing agencies to ensure their officers are properly trained and supervised, highlighting the responsibility of organizations to maintain standards that prevent misconduct.

Although other terms like vicarious liability and civil liability relate to the overarching theme of organizational accountability, respondeat superior explicitly describes the employer-employee relationship in terms of liability for actions taken while on duty. Negligence relates to the failure to exercise appropriate care, but does not directly address the employer's liability in the same way as respondeat superior does.