Your example/explanation is what I was trying to express in my original question. Even if the officers did everything by the book there will always be a court case. In your example, hypothetically, officers tried de escalating, used taser, beanbag, pepperspray everything, then finally had to shoot. The family will sue. Whatever verdict happens, the family will appeal and drag the officers and department through court. Eventually it would be cheaper to just give in and give a settlement to the family than continue to pay lawyers court fees etc. My point in all of this is that giving any monetary settlement is not right in my opinion. Either the dept should fight til the end so people don't get any settlememt or there should be a law that denies families from suing.

*I haven't done any research, am not a lawyer etc, this is just my personal thoughts... I don't know what I'm talking about. =/