Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s conviction on multiple charges indicates people are no longer willing to sit back while rogue individuals threaten society, especially people in what are traditionally termed ethnic and racial minorities as well as women. The result is justified mistrust of and suspicion towards law enforcement within communities, which leads to fear and more violence, with some choosing not to report assaults and crimes. Sadly, many officers truly want to help, but they are jumbled in with those who do not. A recorded police history of violence against women and other groups is spurring reform in law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Your clients are in the middle of this reform movement, and you can guide them to sound choices.

Police Reform After Chauvin

Generally, the response when Chauvin was found guilty was not cheering. Rather, there was a solemn realization that a reckoning was at hand, and this is the time for reform. Police officials and rank-and-file officers themselves spoke up against this history of brutality. State after state is examining police history and policies to craft and announce reforms in the wake of outcries against long-standing violence. Suggested reforms may include:

• Getting officers out of patrol cars and into communities where they can form bonds with residents, whether living on the streets or in the wealthiest neighborhoods
• New training and general procedures that show respect while still allowing police to maintain order
• De-militarization of police weapons and equipment

People are tired of feeling afraid of law enforcement officials. This is a litigious society, however. Sometimes charges against public law enforcement may not be justified or may hamper duties.

Liability Coverage for Police

Sadly, there is a legitimate history of documented police brutality, especially against some races and women. As states institute reforms, though, officers themselves may face more risk scenarios than ever before. Some individuals may wish to take advantage of this by introducing litigation. Complaints can come from many different directions, including:

• Inadequate hiring practices
• Negligent retention
• Failure to supervise and direct
• Failure to manage “off-duty” officers

As police exposures increase and change during this time of sweeping reforms, comprehensive insurance coverage geared toward the unique risks faced by law enforcement officers is an important service. Agencies will also turn to your clients’ businesses for advice and suggestions.

Risk Reduction

A big part of your clients’ work will involve instructing law enforcement agencies on reducing risks. Innovative policies and underwriting are vital. Along with them, however, your clients can guide agencies on developing new training and operational procedures that introduce new balances into every aspect of policing.

This changing situation requires holding tension between respect and needful strength. Adjusting to new ways and getting them right will take time, but the process has begun. Ultimately, true reform will result in a safer, more balanced society carved out by healthy, lasting changes that benefit all.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, Inc., 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.