Inadequate FLETC Funding May Leave Federal LEOs Vulnerable

FLETC Funding

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) trains federal law enforcement officers at more than 90 federal agencies, as well as for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. According to the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) (which represents many FLETC instructors and employees), FLETC is underfunded, despite an increasing need for federal law enforcement training.

Inadequate funding and resources has harmed FLETC’s ability to provide the highest quality training, which could impact recruitment across the federal government. Multiple federal law enforcement agencies, like the Federal Protective Service, Secret Service, and Customs and Border Protection, are trying to ramp up hiring efforts, but, according to Doreen Greenwald, president of NTEU, training and eventual onboarding will be delayed if FLETC’s budget remains the same.

Overworked Officers

FLETC instructors are already overworked from understaffing. Increased hiring efforts for other law enforcement agencies may overwhelm training centers and lead to errors. According to NTEU, increased workloads have already affected staff morale, increased burnout, and eliminated the ability of FLETC staff to attend training programs to improve their own skill. As long as FLETC is experiencing inadequate staffing, law enforcement agencies across the federal government will not be able to hire at the rate many need to.

Insufficiencies at FLETC may contribute to heavy workloads, procedural mistakes, understaffing, and other issues that can make Federal LEO’s vulnerable. Federal law enforcement officers are already highly scrutinized in their position, so any misstep will lead to calls for accountability that may lead to allegations and investigations, despite inadequate working conditions. 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.

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