What does the “public duty doctrine” establish in Utah?

The public duty doctrine in Utah establishes that government entities, including law enforcement agencies, are not liable for failure to provide police services. This legal principle recognizes that the police are tasked with serving the public at large, and their duty to act is often seen as a duty owed to the community rather than to individuals specifically.

This means that if a specific individual suffers harm because the police did not respond or act, that individual cannot typically hold the police department or the government accountable for that lack of action, as the police are not obligated to provide protection to every individual at all times. The public duty doctrine is rooted in the idea that the government's responsibility is to the public as a whole, rather than to individual citizens, which helps to protect public entities from excessive litigation and liability in their operations.

Understanding this concept is crucial for law enforcement officers and legal practitioners, as it shapes the extent of their liability and potential legal risks associated with their duties.