Trick or Treat: Do You Know What to Expect With PLI?
No federal law enforcement officer goes to work expecting to get sued or anticipates spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to defend their career. However, today’s current political climate means federal LEOS are increasingly vulnerable to civil lawsuits and administrative actions. If an allegation is made against you, are you aware of your rights as a federal LEO? Are you prepared to vigorously defend yourself even if the allegation is baseless? Do you have professional liability insurance in place to help you in these trying matters? In the spirit of the fall season, FEDS Protection has put together a list of Trick or Treat facts that will help you learn more about your liability exposures and how best to protect yourself with FEDS PLI.
Trick or Treat
Federal law enforcement officers are eligible for up to a 50% reimbursement for their professional liability insurance premium.
Treat. All federal employees are eligible for PLI—however, because federal law enforcement officers (as well as managers and supervisors) are considered to be especially at risk of being sued personally, Congress mandates that agencies reimburse federal LEOs up to half the cost of their annual PLI premiums. This reimbursement can be up to $150 a year.
DOJ will always assign you representation if you are sued.
Trick. DOJ representation is not automatic and can be denied. Moreover, even if DOJ represents you in a civil lawsuit, DOJ can decline to indemnify you—meaning you could still be liable for any monetary judgments.
However, FEDS Protection includes up to $2 million in coverage for civil lawsuits, allowing FEDS members to defend themselves even if they are declined representation or indemnification from DOJ.
All OIG interviews are mandatory (i.e. compelled).
Trick. Many OIG interviews are voluntary. You should always consult with an attorney before you meet with the IG to know your rights.
Federal law enforcement officers require worldwide professional liability insurance coverage.
Treat. Many federal LEOs have jobs that require them to travel outside of the United States. The FEDS Protection policies include worldwide coverage that ensures federal LEOS are protected wherever their job takes them at no additional cost.
The government will automatically defend you if you are involved in a justified off-duty use-of-force incident.
Trick. Even if an off-duty shooting incident is a lawful and justified act under LEOSA, the federal government may choose to decline representation or indemnification of the involved federal law enforcement officer. To address this exposure gap, FEDS created a LEOSA endorsement for active federal LEOs that provides up to $250,000 or $500,000 in legal representation and indemnification, available for as little as $100 annually.
A FEDS PLI policy can ensure that your career does not turn into a pumpkin. If you have additional questions about potential exposures of your job or want to learn more about FEDS Protection professional liability insurance, contact us online at http://www.fedsprotection.com or call us at 866-955-FEDS(3337).