The term "malfeasance" in the context of police misconduct refers to:

The term "malfeasance" specifically denotes the performance of an unlawful act, particularly in the context of authority or official capacity. In the realm of police conduct, this implies that an officer is engaging in actions that are illegal, as opposed to merely failing to perform their duties or executing their duties incorrectly. This distinguishes malfeasance from concepts like misfeasance, which relates to the improper execution of an otherwise lawful act, and nonfeasance, which indicates a failure to act altogether. Understanding malfeasance in this light underscores the serious implications of misconduct in law enforcement, as it highlights the direct engagement of officers in actions that violate the law. This clarity is critical for distinguishing various types of misconduct within police operations.