Across the board, federal law enforcement officers have spent the vast majority of 2020 dealing with unprecedented challenges. Rising tensions between the public and law enforcement and the increasing dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a landscape that has been tremendously difficult to navigate. While many of the struggles and successes of our law enforcement officers have been well-covered in the news, the challenges faced by two agencies have been comparatively underreported: the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.

For federal law enforcement officers, carrying and using a firearm is often the most significant part of the job. With the authority to carry a firearm comes the heavy responsibility of using it properly, as well as significantly increased exposure to civil, administrative, and criminal actions related to discharge of the weapon. For members of agencies or divisions such as the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), it is critical to carry professional liability insurance (PLI) that will protect against the exposures that come with carrying a firearm.

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.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, federal law enforcement officers have been faithfully serving the public throughout. As FEDS Protection has detailed previously, COVID-19 has increased pressures and expanded the already long list of challenges that federal law enforcement officers face on a daily basis.

As the United States enters its fifth month of COVID-19-related shutdown in some form, the long-term behavioral impacts of the ‘new normal’ are beginning to appear. Recent studies and official guidance indicate that Americans are experiencing elevated levels of unhappiness and anxiety due to the ongoing pandemic.

Over the years, federal law enforcement agencies have been able to magnify their reach and effectiveness through the setting up of federal task forces, made up of both federal and state & local law enforcement officers. These task forces (led by officers from agencies such as the U.S. Marshals, FBI, and DEA) are assigned to address specific issues such as sex trafficking, drug trafficking, tracking fugitives, and counterterrorism efforts. While the task forces are largely spearheaded and funded by federal agencies, oftentimes a majority of the manpower is provided by state & local law enforcement.

On June 11th, FEDS President Tony Vergnetti and Director of Strategy and Development Brenda Wilson presented an instructive and timely webinar on “Law Enforcement Liabilities,” aiming to further inform federal law enforcement officers about how the FEDS federal employee professional liability insurance policy can help protect against the exposures and liabilities inherent in a federal law enforcement position.

Lawmakers are already circulating proposals to investigate missteps and policy holes that led to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. Whether or not you’re employed by one of the 71 agencies responding directly to this crisis, you need to understand what your exposures are and how you may be impacted.

“I’m overwhelmed” has never been echoed amongst LEOs across all agencies more than it is right now. Officers are concerned over decisions and actions/inactions in the performance of duties and/or managing incarcerated individuals, parolees, subjects, targets, COVID related crimes, etc. Supervising agents are also concerned about managing employees.

While the world is facing an unprecedented crisis, finger-pointing and allegations of “mismanagement” may begin. We know this because we’ve defended federal employees in other unprecedented crises such as 9/11, Waco/Ruby Ridge, Hurricane Katrina, Benghazi, wildland fire fatalities, etc.

Law enforcement officers know that gang members and violent criminals commit ruthless, savage, and heinous acts.  Law enforcement officers are aware that criminals and criminal acts are becoming more brazen. Law enforcement officers understand that use of force is still the most debated law enforcement issue in America. 

These words used to signify breaking news that was urgent and significant. Now, up to the minute news is available around the clock and almost all news segments and stories are sensationalized.

In our litigious society, professional liability insurance often becomes necessary when there is an event that results in safety concerns, public alarm, injury, death, oversight or a security vulnerability or breach.

For federal agents, ignorance is expensive.  Know your exposures and the protections available to you.

It was a sad ending to National Suicide Prevention Week 2019 for the law enforcement community. Six officers died by suicide in seven days – that’s the verified number by Blue H.E.L.P. – and it could be more once the verifications are completed.

As summer time-off requests come to an end, it’s time to start thinking about your religious observances and any time off you may need in the coming months.

We all like our social media, but is it worth losing your job over? In just a few short years, social media has become a ubiquitous commodity in the workplace. It allows for employees to make and support professional connections, to collaborate easily and effectively, and to share necessary information in real time.

FEDS Protection now provides its professional liability insurance to Federal Task Force Officers.

As we acknowledge, remember and honor our fallen officers during National Police Week, we must also remember the loss and hardships faced by their families left behind. 

Allegations can spring upon you at any point as a federal employee. If you were informed of an allegation being made against you tomorrow, would you be prepared?