In a move seen by many as a show of support from the Trump administration, the president has recently vowed to indemnify any police officer who engages in necessary force while in the line of duty. While some argue that this could create increased danger for civilians, experts agree that the majority of police departments already indemnify the police, making Trump’s declaration largely redundant.
The decision to declare for-cause indemnification has so far been solely an internal, local department issue, voted upon by Commissioners and City Councils. The main concern is to create a level of security for police officers, in that they’re immune to legal action should they need to use force in the line of duty. Some fear that this could lead to police officers being provided a blanket pardon for their actions, should they occur while on duty.
However, experts and activists have suggested that the Trump administration’s statements are largely unnecessary, especially since most departments already provide some form of indemnification for their officers. Additionally, the majority of departments go beyond applying indemnification solely for the purpose of legal protection, and instead provide a much more robust coverage that includes on-going therapeutic and mental health support for officers in life-altering, traumatic circumstances.
This recent move by President Trump is seen by many as a show of support of law enforcement, as well as a clear statement of his political views on the issue. The president claims that indemnifying police officers is a move that will protect those that risk their lives to keep others safe, but many are refuting this narrative, arguing that it places unnecessary legal protection on a well-protected population.
Still, it’s difficult to ignore the president’s powerful words, and it’s likely that his remarks will be seen favorably by police unions and activists alike. It remains to be seen if any real action will come from these declarations, though experts agree that it likely won’t change much in regards to the day-to-day policies and procedures of most police departments.
In a move seen by many as a show of support from the Trump administration, the president has recently vowed to indemnify any police officer who engages in necessary force while in the line of duty. While some argue that this could create increased danger for civilians, experts agree that the majority of police departments already indemnify the police, making Trump’s declaration largely redundant.
The decision to declare for-cause indemnification has so far been solely an internal, local department issue, voted upon by Commissioners and City Councils. The main concern is to create a level of security for police officers, in that they’re immune to legal action should they need to use force in the line of duty. Some fear that this could lead to police officers being provided a blanket pardon for their actions, should they occur while on duty.
However, experts and activists have suggested that the Trump administration’s statements are largely unnecessary, especially since most departments already provide some form of indemnification for their officers. Additionally, the majority of departments go beyond applying indemnification solely for the purpose of legal protection, and instead provide a much more robust coverage that includes on-going therapeutic and mental health support for officers in life-altering, traumatic circumstances.
This recent move by President Trump is seen by many as a show of support of law enforcement, as well as a clear statement of his political views on the issue. The president claims that indemnifying police officers is a move that will protect those that risk their lives to keep others safe, but many are refuting this narrative, arguing that it places unnecessary legal protection on a well-protected population.
Still, it’s difficult to ignore the president’s powerful words, and it’s likely that his remarks will be seen favorably by police unions and activists alike. It remains to be seen if any real action will come from these declarations, though experts agree that it likely won’t change much in regards to the day-to-day policies and procedures of most police departments.
