The term that describes accepting responsibility for one's actions in policing is called?

• A. Immunity
• B. Accountability
• C. Liability
• D. Anonymity

Answer: (B)

Accountability is the obligation to answer for one’s actions and justify decisions to the public, supervisors, and the law. In policing, it means officers are responsible for how they conduct themselves, follow policies, and respect citizens’ rights, and it includes being transparent about actions and accepting consequences when standards aren’t met. Through oversight, internal affairs, audits, civilian review boards, and disciplinary processes, accountability helps maintain legitimacy and trust. Immunity would mean protection from liability, liability is legal responsibility for harm, and anonymity is hiding one’s identity—none of these capture the duty to own and answer for conduct like accountability does.