As Public Trust in Secret Service Falls, Agent Vulnerability Rises

Thoughts & Trends

Recently, Gallup polled Americans on their opinions regarding the job performance of multiple government agencies. The poll, conducted between September 3rd and 15th, 2024, showed that currently only one in three U.S. adults rates the Secret Service’s performance as “excellent” (8%) or “good” (24%), while 25% say it is “only fair” and 36% “poor.” These findings are a stark contrast to the Secret Service’s generally positive ratings over the past ten years, having received mostly “good” or “excellent” ratings in four of the five previous readings. The outcome of the recent poll suggests that the public may not currently believe that the Secret Service is, as the agency’s motto states, “worthy of trust and confidence.”

Vetting Vulnerabilities

After recent security breaches, including both assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service has been the target of bipartisan criticism. With dissatisfaction from both politicians and the American public, there will be a heightened focus on the Secret Service and their performance for the foreseeable future, especially with the upcoming election in November.

Allegations of wrongdoing and public calls for accountability have already spurred investigations into shortcomings within the Secret Service, with the potential for more. Investigations into the multiple security breaches will leave agents vulnerable. These investigations underscore that at any time, federal law enforcement officers could find themselves under the spotlight. When federal law enforcement officers become the subject of allegations, investigations, and lawsuits, it is essential they have the tools to defend themselves, and critical they have a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection in place before allegations and investigations start.

FEDS PLI for Law Enforcement Officers

As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal law enforcement officer 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 personal 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.

*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.