That's not correct at all. Lack of QI means the officer (in this case) is directly responsible in any ensuing civil suit. It doesn't mean the department can't also be sued, but lack of QI puts the officer squarely on the hook.
It is correct. All states in New England, which is all I've looked at so far, indemnify cops by statute.
Here's CT, NH, MA, ME, RI and VT. They all indemnify cops from civil liability unless the action was wanton, reckless, malicious, in bad faith, gross negligence, or some combination of those terms.
Chapter 99-D DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION OF STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
www.gencourt.state.nh.us
General Law - Part I, Title XVII, Chapter 120A, Section 7
malegislature.gov
Title 14, §8111: Personal immunity for employees; procedure
legislature.maine.gov
Vermont Laws
legislature.vermont.gov