An absolute privilege would cloak unsupported and malicious statements of any kind with immunity, without providing recourse to the person defamed. Police officers should not be subject to malicious complaints from which they have no protection. We determine that a qualified privilege is appropriate in this case. A qualified privilege will protect persons who make good-faith complaints from liability for defamation, without closing all avenues of protection to the police officer. Although we recognize that a qualified privilege might chill some complaints filed without malice, we do not believe, except in very rare instances previously recognized by the Missouri courts, that an absolute privilege should exist.
Summary judgment is reversed and the case is remanded for further proceedings.