In a major announcement on August 5th, President Donald Trump vowed to protect law enforcement personnel by issuing an Executive Order that would indemnify them against any legal actions taken against them. Experts, however, assert that this type of protection is already in place and enjoyed by most police officers.
The President proclaimed that this order was being sought to “ensure that those who put their lives on the line for our communities are fully protected from the legal ramifications of their actions.” This protection would be extended not only to police officers but to border patrol agents, immigration officials, and federal law enforcement agents as well.
The effort to provide this protection has been interpreted by some as a public show of support for law enforcement personnel and an attempt to show solidarity with those dedicated to keeping the nation safe. However, experts have pointed out that many police officers already enjoy such protection.
Most organizations and municipalities provide their law enforcement personnel with indemnification from any legal repercussions arising from their official duties and actions. This generally covers damages awarded to any individuals, or their families, who have been adversely affected by the actions of the police officers in question.
Some experts have voiced concern that such indemnifications could lead to police personnel feeling empowered to act beyond the scope of their legal authority with impunity, which could ultimately lead to an erosion of public trust in police officers and undermine law and order.
In a statement responding to the Executive Order, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned, “Our fears that the president will bail out police officers for excessive use of force or violations of civil rights have not yet been quashed by this executive order.”
In issuing the Executive Order, the President seems to be unaware of the fact that the legal protection of police officers is already quite extensive. It appears unlikely that such an order will have a substantial effect on the existing legal status of law enforcement personnel. Nevertheless, it appears that the President’s effort to protect police officers has been well-intentioned.
