Unfortunately, even if the police are able to assist, it is not a line of protection that can be entirely relied on. The law has many unsettling examples of the lack of liability to protect individuals starting back in the 1800s.

It may be surprising to hear that law enforcement in the United States is sworn to protect the peace, but not to protect an individual from harm. Many court cases have resulted in a ruling that reinforces this fact and releases officers of the law from consequences of negligible actions.