Safety Risks in Federal Buildings Leave Law Enforcement Personnel Vulnerable
IG Report Finds Gaps
A recent IG report found that the General Services Administration (GSA) has not set or maintained expectations for federal law enforcement agencies regarding the storage of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition and the transportation of detainees in buildings it owns or leases.
This lack of guidance may leave federal law enforcement agency personnel vulnerable to mistakes that lead to allegations of wrongdoing, disciplinary action, and even civil lawsuits.
Risks at Law Enforcement Agencies
Auditors assessed 25 buildings, including 14 federal courthouses, based on previous reports that GSA was not “evaluating, assessing and mitigating” risks arising from activities by federal law enforcement agencies to employees and others in buildings under its control.
Nearly 90% of the assessed buildings where seized drugs were stored in evidence vaults lacked proper ventilation, and the GSA’s Public Building Service managers did not know the location of more than half of the armories storing ammunition. One secure elevator used to transport detainees had been inoperable for five years.
Consequences for Federal LEOs
These types of high-risk exposures could have severe consequences for employees and others visiting law enforcement agency buildings. First responders should know where all hazardous materials are stored so they can take proper safety precautions in the event of a fire emergency.
Any agency emergency or loss of life will result in calls for accountability, and agency officials may look to law enforcement personnel to place blame. Allegations and investigations can lead to suspensions, terminations, or 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.
How FEDS PLI Can Help
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.