Lawsuit Against the FBI: Could Agents Be at Higher Risk?
Recent reporting by POLITICO centered on a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination at the FBI has drawn attention to alleged management and personnel woes within the FBI’s general counsel’s office, with impacts felt across the agency. While the lawsuit itself was focused on claims of gender discrimination within the general counsel’s office, internal communications and testimony revealed during the legal proceeding highlighted internal disagreements on various issues at the Bureau’s highest levels. With the level of spotlight currently on the FBI, any instances of intra-agency dissension will invite outside criticism and increased oversight.
Criticism of the FBI has been swelling for years. Reports of alleged non-compliance with national security surveillance procedures, loose ends that investigators failed to follow up on, lack of communication throughout the agency, and failure to follow their own media guidance are just a few of the complaints commonly attached to media coverage of the FBI.
The recent lawsuit and its claims, whether true or not, are sure to increase calls for oversight and investigations of the FBI. In addition to internal pressures to improve conditions, competing external agendas will likely create even more pressure on FBI personnel. Even if you are following agency guidelines, decisions made on the job will anger somebody, and agents can expect to face backlash for just doing their job. With the spotlight on the FBI growing ever brighter, employees must be prepared to defend themselves if their actions are called into question. Complaints and allegations can quickly turn into investigations and lawsuits. Defending yourself can be emotionally and financially tolling – a FEDS Protection professional liability insurance (PLI) policy can help.
Scrutiny, blame, and calls for accountability can come from anyone – colleagues, the public, Congress, and agency officials, among others, may lodge complaints that require you to hire outside legal counsel. As a federal agent, you are vulnerable to agency investigations, disciplinary proceedings, criminal investigations, and even civil lawsuits stemming from acts, errors, or omissions made in the scope of your federal employment. FEDS provides legal representation and indemnity coverage for federal employees.
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 for actions taken within the scope of your employment. Our policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs arising out of actions taken within the scope of your employment. FEDS Protection PLI is affordable – annual premiums start at just $290. LEOSA coverage for off-duty incidents is also available for qualified law enforcement officers. 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 how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, 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.
Federal law enforcement officers can protect themselves against investigations with a FEDS Protection PLI policy. 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 for actions taken within the scope of your employment. Our policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs arising out of actions taken within the scope of your employment. 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. LEOSA coverage for off-duty incidents is also available for qualified law enforcement officers. 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 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.