As Federal Task Force Steps Up Amidst Wildfire Crimes, Officer Vulnerability Increases

Combatting Crime

In the wake of the devastating wildfires in California, the Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force has been created to investigate and prosecute fire-related crimes. The task force includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department. and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The task force is a combined effort to protect the vulnerable citizens that have been affected by the fires from being exploited amid relief efforts. They will also be tracking illegal activity such as financial fraud, illegal drone activity, and arson to ensure more fires aren’t intentionally started and to safeguard the livelihood of the many firefighters who have risked their lives to protect their communities. Because of the highly publicized nature of this tragedy, officers on the Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force will likely face increased attention, creating professional vulnerability. When this happens, it is crucial that federal law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect themselves – FEDS Protection can help.

Expertise and Experience

Each contributing member of the task force brings a distinct expertise that can lend a hand in the fight to protect the citizens and firefighters in California. As Jose Medina, the special agent in charge of the ATF Los Angeles Field Division, points out, “ATF possesses unparalleled expertise in determining the origin and cause of fires, even under the most complex and challenging conditions.” This is a key point of the investigation, one that many will look to this task force to answer.

With experience in the vulnerabilities many victims can face after disasters, HSI Los Angeles and other partner agencies have offered words of advice and guidelines for those looking to assist the victims in order to avoid those looking to exploit them for their own financial gain. The task force is cautioning donors saying, “potential donors are urged to make donations only to known entities and to avoid giving donations in cash or via wire transfer.”

Best Intentions and Backlash

While their intention is to safeguard the victims of the fires, any action or inaction perceived as a mistake by the public could have lasting repercussions for those involved. The wildfires have received worldwide coverage, affecting not only the rich and famous residents of the elite neighborhoods in Los Angeles, but also residents whose families have been there for generations. This expansive scope will come with conflicting views on how law enforcement agencies should respond and allocate resources to those in need. Even with the best intentions, these agencies will receive push back from their decisions. 

Any misstep in the handling of such a high-profile current event will lead to calls for accountability that may lead to allegations and investigations. Allegations and investigations can lead to suspensions, terminations, or even personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.

FEDS PLI for Law Enforcement Officers

As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal law enforcement employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity.  The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs. 

Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290.  Additionally, federal law enforcement officers, supervisors, and managers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.