TSA security officers, inspectors, air marshals, directors and managers work to protect over 2 million travelers each and every day against terrorist and criminal assaults on our nation's transportation systems. Despite the responsibility to ensure that the unthinkable doesn't happen, working with or making decisions on behalf of the public's interest subjects you to constant public scrutiny.

The scrutiny of the decisions or the process in which the decisions are made, makes even the best TSA employees vulnerable to civil lawsuits and agency investigations into alleged misconduct. For this reason, civil and administrative protection is available at an affordable cost through professional liability insurance (PLI). FEDS attorneys and claim administrators have a vast amount of experience in TSA employee matters.

TSA employees are also eligible for two free 1/2 hour legal consultations with an attorney experienced in the areas of federal personnel and employment law, criminal or tax and estate planning for matters not covered by the liability defense benefits offered by FEDS. For coverage effective today, buy now.

There are three areas of exposure that a professional liability insurance policy responds to for TSA employees: civil law suits, administrative and disciplinary matters, and criminal investigations. For instance, PLI becomes necessary when:

• An employee becomes involved in a misconduct or administrative matter/investigation for a job related action; or
• An employee is sued personally for a job-related action (i.e., Bivens action); or
• An employee is subject to a criminal investigation for a job-related action.

For detailed information on how FEDS protects you in the event of a civil lawsuit or criminal allegations, see Civil Exposures and Criminal Exposures.

The Administrative Benefits are particularly important to TSA employees because of the sheer number of contacts with civilians and the processes of these contacts. The federal legal investigative process of defending against allegations of misconduct or other wrongdoing is complicated; having an attorney experienced in federal matters to advise you of your legal rights and obligations and also the parameters of the law under which you've been accused is imperative in the initial investigative stages. Maneuvering the investigative process without legal counsel is not recommended by the leading federal employee associations and law firms representing federal employees.

If you are an employee in a bargaining unit, the administrative defense provision of the PLI policy is necessary when union legal support is inadequate, terminates or is exhausted—moreover, union representation is generally not available for civil and criminal matters.

Additionally, these many contacts increase civil exposure which is the very reason that Congress enacted special legislation requiring agencies to reimburse all officers, managers and supervisors up to ½ of the cost of professional liability insurance. This congressional action clearly demonstrates Congress’ official support and belief that these employees have a sense of security while making the tough decisions that are part of the job. With annual costs at $270 (and a net cost of only $135 a year for our minimum coverage limit - if eligible for reimbursement), all federal employees can have career and financial security protections in place with a professional liability policy.

FEDS continually works with the leading federal employee communities, professional organizations, and associations to ensure that we provide the protection federal employees need to do their jobs. Please read what these associations and industry leaders have to say about professional protection and why they recommend FEDS in testimonials and endorsements.

FEDS founder, a former employee of a federal law enforcement agency, has successfully defended federal employees in private practice and encourages all federal employees to be as informed as possible about the benefits of having PLI protection in place. Read more about how and why FEDS got started here. And if you can't find answers to your questions in Frequently Asked Questions, please call us at 301-229-2481.