As the new academic year approaches, the role of law enforcement in schools is under renewed focus. With the increasing concerns over safety and security, law enforcement agencies must prepare themselves to manage the unique challenges that arise in educational environments. For insurance agents serving this sector, ensuring your clients have the appropriate law enforcement insurance is essential.

The Evolving Role of Law Enforcement in Schools

The responsibilities of law enforcement officers within schools have expanded significantly in recent years. The increasing prevalence of school shootings, bullying, and other forms of violence has necessitated a stronger presence of law enforcement in educational settings. 

According to a recent report, the total dollar amount of losses from major awards and settlements reached $651 million in 2023 alone, highlighting the financial stakes involved​.

This heightened role brings increased risks, necessitating comprehensive law enforcement liability insurance that can address these new challenges. Officers must maintain safety while fostering a positive and trusting relationship with students — a delicate balance that requires both skill and robust liability protection.

Understanding Law Enforcement Liability Insurance

Law enforcement liability insurance protects agencies and their officers from claims related to wrongful acts, such as excessive use of force, civil rights violations, and discrimination. In the context of schools, where interactions with minors are highly scrutinized, this coverage is crucial.

Insurance agents should ensure their clients understand the breadth of this coverage. For example, law enforcement liability insurance not only covers legal defense costs but also extends to settlements and judgments, providing crucial financial protection. 

Key Components of Law Enforcement Insurance

To adequately protect law enforcement agencies operating within schools, a comprehensive liability insurance policy should include the following key coverages:

• Professional liability: This coverage is essential for protecting against claims of misconduct or negligence, which are particularly prevalent in school settings.
• Public officials liability: This component provides protection for decisions made by law enforcement officials that could lead to litigation, such as disciplinary actions or policy enforcement.
• Use of force: With scrutiny over the use of force and related claims on the rise, especially in schools, this coverage is a crucial part of any law enforcement liability policy.

These elements are vital for ensuring that law enforcement agencies are fully protected as they fulfill their duties in educational settings.

Preparing for the New School Year: Risk Management Best Practices

Preparation is the cornerstone of risk management, particularly as the new school year begins. Insurance agents should guide their clients toward implementing best practices that minimize liability risks. Regular training sessions, especially those focused on the use of force and crisis management, are critical. Updating safety protocols and communicating them to all staff can prevent incidents that might otherwise lead to significant legal claims.

Additionally, building strong relationships with the school community can further reduce risks. School resource officers can be pivotal in this endeavor by fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. This approach helps prevent potential issues and strengthens the overall security framework within the school.

Collaborating with Schools: Building Trust and Communication

Collaboration between law enforcement and schools is vital to maintaining a safe environment. Insurance agents should advise their clients on the importance of transparency and clear communication to build trust between officers and the school community​.

By promoting these values, law enforcement agencies can improve safety and mitigate the risk of incidents that could result in costly claims. Moreover, insurance agents can add value by helping their clients develop and implement these strategies.

Choosing the Right Insurance Partner

Given the complexities of law enforcement roles within schools, partnering with an insurance provider that understands these unique risks is essential. Professional Governmental Underwriters (PGUI) offers specialized knowledge and tailored insurance solutions for law enforcement agencies. Our expertise in risk management and claims handling helps prepare your clients for the challenges of the new school year.

By working with a provider like PGUI, insurance agents can help their clients secure comprehensive coverage that protects against the myriad risks law enforcement faces in educational settings.

For more information on tailoring a liability insurance plan to meet your clients’ needs, contact Professional Governmental Underwriters at (800) 586-6502.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational, and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures, including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.