NCJ Number
32427
Date Published
1976
Length
44 pages
Annotation
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF A STUDY OF THE AVAILABLE METHODS OF INSURING OR INDEMNIFYING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AGAINST CIVIL SUITS RESULTING FROM ACTS DONE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
Abstract
SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVE LIABILITY SUITS, AWARDS, AND AMOUNTS OF SETTLEMENT ARE CITED. LAWS REGARDING THE PROVISION OF DEFENSE REPRESENTATION IN LIABILITY SUITS AND LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IN VIRGINIA AND TWELVE OTHER STATES ARE ALSO NOTED. OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE TYPE OF INSURANCE POLICIES AVAILABLE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, THE TYPE OF COVERAGE OFFERED, AND THE COST. THE COMMISSION CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS A NEED IN VIRGINIA TO INSURE OR INDEMNIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AGAINST CIVIL SUITS; THAT ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVERAGE WAS AVAILABLE AT A REASONABLE COST; AND THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF OPTIONS IN ADDITION TO PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE. APPENDED CHARTS SHOW THE INSURANCE COVERAGE (COMPANY, COVERAGE, AND NUMBER OF SUITS FILED) FOR THE INDIVIDUAL VIRGINIA POLICE AND SHERIFFS' DEPARTMENTS.