Legal and Best Law Enforcement Practices

Law enforcement agencies and individual officers are the subject of intense public scrutiny, in large part because of the litigious condition of American society. Law enforcement officers must have a working knowledge of the developing laws relating to police civil liability and discipline. Failure to recognize the importance of this area of the law can lead to serious monetary consequences for individual officers, supervisors, executives, and agencies as a whole, and can even result in criminal sanctions.

The course assists officers and agencies in assessing their level of risk exposure by examining court decisions that have interpreted standards of conduct by officers and supervisors. Participants will review court cases that have paved the way for the current climate and gain a working understanding of current case law and its impact upon law enforcement operations and liability.

Upon Completion: Participants will be able to:
• Assess of their level of risk exposure

• Learn about the historical background leading to today’s explosion of litigation against law enforcement officers and agencies

• Describe the nature of tort claims frequently brought against officers and departments

• Speak to current liability regarding use of deadly and non-deadly force

• Explain cases related to claims of false arrest and malicious prosecution

• Understand the current legal climate surrounding racial profiling

• Explain the situations in which officers have an affirmative obligation to protect citizens

• Understand the duties of officers related to arrestee medical and mental health

• Examine court cases related to high-speed pursuit and emergency vehicle operation

• Detail the liability of supervisory personnel

• Describe agency liability in civil rights issues

• Employ risk assessment and risk reduction strategies to reduce liability      exposure

• Explain current law on qualified immunity as it relates to law enforcement officers

• Cite claims, defenses, and other issues related to law enforcement liability