Under what circumstances can employees damage city property or the property of others?

The correct answer is grounded in the principle of lawful authority and the scope of duties performed by employees. Employees may damage city property or the property of others when it is lawfully required in the performance of their duties. This situation can arise in various contexts, such as in emergency response situations where damaging a property could mitigate greater hazards or during authorized city work, such as construction or maintenance duties, where equipment might inadvertently cause damage.

In these scenarios, the damage is not considered wrongful or unauthorized but is a consequence of fulfilling one’s responsibilities in service to the city or the public. Such actions must align with the guidelines of the employee's role and follow any applicable protocols to ensure they are operating within legal and ethical boundaries.

Understanding this allows employees to navigate their responsibilities while acknowledging the potential implications of their actions regarding property. It also emphasizes the importance of having clear instructions, protocols, and authorization processes in place, so employees know when such actions are permissible.