Public entities are liable for damages arising from their governmental functions. Which service is included?

• A. Fire protection and police services
• B. Public housing
• C. Public broadcasting
• D. Parks administration

Answer: (A)

Public entities can be held liable for damages that arise from performing governmental functions. Among the options, fire protection and police services are classic examples of governmental functions because they embody public safety and law enforcement—core duties of government agencies. When these agencies or their employees act negligently or unlawfully in delivering emergency or protective services, liability can attach under the applicable tort claims rules.

Public housing, public broadcasting, and parks administration are government programs or services, but they aren’t the standard examples used to illustrate governmental functions related to liability in this context. They involve service delivery and administration, rather than the fundamental public safety and enforcement roles shown by fire and police services.