Supreme Court Restricts Police Powers to Enter a Home Without a Warrant
In recent years, federal law enforcement officers have been the subject of increasing scrutiny from the media, public, and politicians. Officers’ actions have been highlighted across social media and the news media with little or no context, often creating hostile reactions. The current environment has made it even more difficult for federal law enforcement officers to carry out their job duties without the fear of public backlash looming over their heads. Nationwide, police departments and law enforcement agencies are adapting their policies to conform with court decisions and evolving public opinion on law enforcement actions.
One example of this reevaluation of policy is reflected in a recent Supreme Court ruling that restricts police from being able enter a home without a warrant when pursuing citizens suspected of committing a minor crime. The ruling may force federal law enforcement to unlearn what they’ve been taught is acceptable conduct and learn new protocols. With changes to standard operating procedure may come increased vulnerability for law enforcement officers. Officers have been trained to make important split-second decisions – when pursuing a suspect, there may be no time to go over recently-updated policies in your head. Any adjustment to “hot pursuit” warrant requirements may expose law enforcement officers to civil lawsuits from the suspects they pursue, as well as administrative actions from their agencies for failure to follow policy.
Federal law enforcement officers can protect themselves against allegations with professional liability insurance (PLI). FEDS Protection offers policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorneys’ 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% 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.