What was a significant outcome of Garrity v New Jersey regarding police officers?

The outcome of Garrity v. New Jersey is significant for its establishment of protections for public employees, particularly police officers, against self-incrimination during administrative investigations. The case arose when police officers were compelled to answer questions under threat of disciplinary action, which the Supreme Court ruled was a violation of their Fifth Amendment rights. This ruling affirmed that any statements made under duress in such a context could not be used against the officers in a criminal case. Therefore, the decision emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from being forced to incriminate themselves while simultaneously ensuring that the integrity of administrative procedures is upheld within law enforcement agencies. This legal precedent is crucial for understanding the rights of police officers in relation to their responsibilities during investigations.