Thomas & Means

PREVENTING POLICE LIABILITY:
POLICE MANAGER AS RISK MANAGER

Particularly in the high risk, high liability areas of law enforcement, police administrators must constantly battle the threat of civil liability. Today, lawsuits question whether a law enforcement agency has responsibly planned and managed a broad array of operational and administrative dynamics. The agency's written policies are challenged and its programs of training, supervision, and discipline are closely scrutinized. If police officials have not dealt adequately with these matters, supervisory liability, liability for negligent training, and municipal liability will follow. Through responsible and systematic planning and administration, law enforcement managers can minimize the potential for officer misconduct and virtually eliminate the threat of supervisory and municipal liability. This seminar will help show you how!

While emphasizing risk exposure generated by the actions of individual police officers, there is also discussion of: liability for improper hiring, training. supervision and discipline; governmental policy and custom liability; causation, defenses, damages, attorneys' fees, and settlement philosophy. The instructor (s) will analyze and explain theories and trends in federal civil rights litigation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the practical realities of day-to-day police work, merging the dynamics of 1990's policing with the need for protection of constitutional and human rights. The program orientation will be positive and proactive. Program theme: Planning to Win!

Target Audience:
Law enforcement managers and administrators at all levels; Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs, patrol and investigative division commanders, mid-managers and first line supervisors, internal affairs investigators and supervisors, government risk managers and legal advisors, and persons in any way responsible for police training and standards.

Course Length:
One to Two Days