FEDS November Newsletter
As Public Trust in Secret Service Falls, Agent Vulnerability Rises
Thoughts & Trends
Recently,
Gallup polled Americans on their opinions regarding the job performance of multiple government agencies. The poll, conducted between September 3rd and 15th, 2024, showed that currently only one in three U.S. adults rates the Secret Service’s performance as "excellent” (8%) or "good” (24%), while 25% say it is "only fair” and 36% "poor.” These findings are a stark contrast to the Secret Service’s generally positive ratings over the past ten years, having received mostly "good” or "excellent” ratings in four of the five previous readings. The outcome of the recent poll suggests that the public may not currently believe that the Secret Service is, as the agency’s motto states, "worthy of trust and confidence.”
Vetting Vulnerabilities
After recent security breaches, including both assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service has been the target of bipartisan criticism. With dissatisfaction from both politicians and the American public, there will be a heightened focus on the Secret Service and their performance for the foreseeable future.
Allegations of wrongdoing and public calls for accountability have already spurred investigations into shortcomings within the Secret Service, with the potential for more. Investigations into the multiple security breaches will leave agents vulnerable. These investigations underscore that at any time, federal law enforcement officers could find themselves under the spotlight. When federal law enforcement officers become the subject of allegations, investigations, and lawsuits, it is essential they have the tools to defend themselves, and critical they have a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection in place before allegations and investigations start.
FEDS PLI for Law Enforcement Officers
As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal law enforcement officer 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 personal 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, browse our site 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.
Are You Leaving Federal Service and Considering Government Contracting?
If yes, consider FEDS Protection for your government contracting insurance needs. At FEDS Protection, we also support Federal Contractors by providing insurance coverage specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of today's federal contractors, including Professional Liability, Defense Base Act Insurance, and Foreign Liability coverage. In our experience, many small businesses need assistance in navigating the insurance portion of a government RFP.
The federal government is our specific focus and area of expertise. If you are looking to review your current or upcoming insurance needs, including the unique insurance requirements of any contract involving civilian employees overseas (requiring DBA Insurance and Foreign Liability coverage) please contact us at 866-955-FEDS (3337) or dmoylan@fedsprotection.com.
Inclusion in Action
FEDS Protection wants to celebrate those who work together from diverse backgrounds that move our country forward. These efforts are not and cannot be made alone. They are completed each day with empathy, energy, and intentionality. While some moments can be awkward, small wins can be awesome. Regardless, each inclusive action is worth the effort.
We hope each of you can play a small part in the path toward progress and continue to do so in your own way. We will continue to stand with you in this effort every step of the journey.
Testimonials
"When you're the subject of an internal investigation, you can call a friend because you're upset, but they can't help you. FEDS can. Make FEDS your friend."
- Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Director of Mental Health & Peer Support, FLEOA
Radio & Webinars
Contact us if you or your agency are interested in a webinar or brochures that provide federal employees best practices on how to protect themselves with a federal employee professional liability insurance policy like the one offered by FEDS Protection. FEDS Protection webinars are a valuable resource for learning more about the specific professional exposures for federal employees, PLI in general, and the FEDS Protection program. Check our library in the link below to access webinars that speak to your position in the federal government.
FEDS On the Road
November: Customs and Boarder Protection Health & Benefits Fair (Tucson, AZ)