A patrolman that fails to perform due diligence is considered what?

• A. Negligent
• B. Reckless
• C. Incompetent
• D. Intentional

Answer: (A)

Failing to perform due diligence means you didn’t meet the required standard of care in your duties. In a patrol role, that means taking reasonable steps to do tasks correctly—following procedures, documenting actions, and checking safety measures. When those steps are skipped or done carelessly, it’s negligence: you had a duty to act and failed to exercise reasonable care, which can lead to harm or liability. Recklessness would involve knowingly disregarding a clear risk and acting anyway, which is more blameworthy than a simple omission. Incompetence refers to a lack of the necessary skill or ability to perform the job, not just failing to follow procedures. Intentional implies a deliberate choice to violate rules or cause harm. Since the issue is a failure to act with proper care, the label that fits best is negligent.