Diverted Duties
According to
recent reporting, the federal government has diverted more than 15,000 federal law enforcement officers away from their regular assignments to assist with immigration enforcement duties. This includes officers from agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Marshals; and Homeland Security Investigations. Many of these officers lack specialized training in immigration law, yet will now be tasked with detaining, processing, and other immigration enforcement duties.
Being assigned responsibilities outside of your core expertise, especially in an already highly-scrutinized area such as immigration enforcement, creates new vulnerabilities. With immigration law’s complex procedures and civil rights implications, federal officers diverted into these roles face an increased risk of allegations of misconduct, civil rights violations, and even personal capacity lawsuits. Agents taking on new responsibilities must be able to protect themselves and their careers – a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection can help.
Heightened Scrutiny
Immigration enforcement is often at the center of political debate and public controversy. Actions taken by officers in the field may be second-guessed, not only by supervisors but also by the media, watchdog organizations, and the public. Even when acting within the scope of employment, officers could face claims of wrongful detention, constitutional rights violations, excessive use of force, or abuse of authority.
With so many officers now involved in these operations, scrutiny is only likely to increase. A single mistake or misunderstanding of complex immigration procedures could result in disciplinary investigations, career repercussions, or lawsuits filed against you personally.
FEDS PLI for Federal Law Enforcement Officers
In this environment of expanded responsibilities and heightened oversight, it is more important than ever for federal law enforcement officers to protect themselves. A FEDS Protection professional liability insurance (PLI) policy ensures you are not left to defend yourself alone if allegations arise.
FEDS Protection offers:
- $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs if you are sued personally.
- $200,000 of legal representation coverage for administrative actions.
- $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs.
Annual premiums start at $290, and most federal law enforcement officers are eligible for agency reimbursement of up to 50% of their PLI premium.
Protect Yourself
When you are pulled from your normal assignment into an area outside your expertise, you are more vulnerable to mistakes, allegations, and legal actions. Having a FEDS Protection PLI policy is not a luxury—it is a necessity. With knowledgeable and experienced counsel provided by FEDS, you can have peace of mind knowing your career, reputation, and livelihood are protected.
To learn more, please review our site or call (866) 955-FEDS, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–6pm EST to speak directly with a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.