[JonPreston]

When individuals take actions "outside the scope" of their duties which violate the civil rights of the citizens the theory is that they lose "qualified immunity" for their actions.

IOW, when you participate in criminality, you're on your own.

[Mr. K]

That is a really good point- what do they need “qualified immunity” for at all- if they just do their jobs, and don’t commit any illegal acts.