Robert Alston, Plaintiff-Respondent v. City of Camden, Camden Police Department and Officer Ron Conley…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that both pursuit immunity under N.J.S.A. 59:5-2b(2) and good‑faith immunity under N.J.S.A. 59:3-3 shield a police officer and his municipal employers from liability for a negligent firearm discharge that occurred during a foot pursuit, absent willful misconduct, and affirmed the trial‑court instruction on willful misconduct. Justice LONG dissented, arguing that the officer’s earlier negligent handling of his gun is unrelated to the pursuit and should not be insulated by immunity.