Expanding Scope: How COVID-19 Creates New Duties for Federal Law Enforcement

Federal law enforcement officers have become particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic due to constantly changing policies and updated procedures. In order to prevent the distribution of counterfeit products relating to COVID-19 prevention and treatment in the U.S., federal law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to team up with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ramp up enforcement on the production and use of fake vaccination cards. Schumer has also urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prioritize these cases, adding to an already heavy workload for federal employees. Additionally, CBP officers will be expected to identify, halt, and investigate the transportation of counterfeit COVID-related products such as medical gear into the United States.

These novel enforcement responsibilities will likely be challenging to navigate for federal law enforcement officers. Federal law enforcement officers may be asked to verify the authenticity of vaccination cards, coordinate with officers and officials outside of their agency, and question members of the public on a controversial matter. Federal law enforcement officers in security positions may be required to verify vaccination statuses of employees and visitors daily. These new guidelines and duties may increase federal law enforcement officers’ exposure to civil suits by members of the public, as well as agency investigations into officers’ actions.

Federal law enforcement officers can protect themselves against investigations with professional liability insurance (PLI). FEDS Protection offers 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. Our 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, which is less than it would typically cost to hire a federal employment lawyer for an hour. Additionally, federal law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. 

To learn more about FEDS Protection, and how a FEDS professional liability insurance policy can protect you and your career, visit fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, Monday through Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, to speak directly to a representative.

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