Final answer:
Law enforcement officers can be held personally accountable for their actions when these actions exceed their lawful authority or infringe on individuals' rights, as they are subject to the same due process of law as all individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Personal liability for a law enforcement officer is just the notion that a law enforcement officer can be held personally accountable for their actions related to their position. When police officers perform their duties, they are expected to act within the bounds of the law and to respect the rights of individuals. They work at various levels, from local county police to federal agencies like the FBI or ATF, and must exercise their authority appropriately. Officers have the power to enforce laws, such as issuing a speeding ticket, but they cannot misuse their power for personal benefit or requests outside their official duties. The government, through a court of law, can impose penalties on law enforcement officers who act outside their authority or violate citizens' rights, as everyone is subject to due process of law. This is especially important given the power dynamics between citizens and law enforcement, and the impact such interactions can have on personal liberty.