Police officers and members of other law enforcement agencies face risks to their personal safety day in and day out. They are also increasingly under fire for alleged wrongdoing and face claims of negligence, failure to protect, false arrest, and civil rights violations. These claims are often in the form of costly litigation against departments and municipalities, and can result in settlements in the millions of dollars.
Claims against police departments have become more commonplace in recent years, while awards have skyrocketed and the courts have routinely extended liability beyond the offending officers to superior officers, mayors, and other city leaders. Even if a case does not result in a settlement or judgment, the department or municipality still incurs budget-busting defense costs.
Law enforcement agencies and municipalities can purchase police officer liability insurance to help cover the costs of these lawsuits, rather than borrowing to pay settlements or further burdening local taxpayers.
Some of the most common claims against police officers and law enforcement agencies include:
- Negligence
- Failure to protect
- False arrest
- Civil rights violations
- Excessive force
- Cruel and unusual punishment
Police departments liability insurance is a form of professional liability insurance that covers officers, departments, and municipalities against lawsuits that arise as a result of acts, errors, and omissions while police officers are performing their professional duties.
Why do I need this policy when the city or county I work for already has a general liability policy? Police officers and their departments can face claims of negligence, failure to protect, false arrests or civil rights violations. These suits can lead to costly litigation for law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. Police Departments Insurance through Skyscraper insurance can help mitigate financial loss so your police department can continue to protect you and your fellow citizens. Our policy ensures coverage for acts, errors, and omissions which occur while officers perform their professional duties.