Which liability means the agency can be held liable for an officer's misconduct even if the agency did not directly cause the injury?

• A. Direct liability
• B. Vicarious liability
• C. Absolute immunity
• D. No liability

Answer: (B)

Vicarious liability means the agency bears responsibility for the actions of its employees when those actions happen within the scope of employment. If an officer commits misconduct while performing official duties or under color of law, the agency can be held liable even if it didn’t directly cause the injury. This shifts accountability to the employer, encouraging proper supervision, training, and policies to prevent harm.

Direct liability would require the agency to have caused the injury through its own negligent act. Absolute immunity would shield the agency in certain contexts, which isn’t the situation here. No liability would mean the agency isn’t responsible at all, which contradicts how vicarious liability operates.