Once a PD has had to make a payout because of an officer’s conduct, that cop should be sacked permanently and not be allowed to do any LE work anywhere.
This instance is going to be very expensive when it comes to the payout, even if cities don’t burn. Also, the cops involved will have to be charged and prosecuted for the killing.
I’m afraid you’re right.
Payouts are made for a lot of reasons and not necessarily because the LEO is guilty of misconduct, particularly under 42 U.S.C.A. §1983, which authorizes the jury to award punitive damages and attorney's fees in addition to compensatory damages. Payouts made to settle the case are often a hedge against a potentially larger damage award if the case were to go to trial, fueled by the jury's emotions, demographic profile, hatred of LEO, etc. even in cases where the alleged misconduct and liability are questionable.