Donald Trump announced his plans to “indemnify” police officers who use excessive or deadly force during their duty, stirring up controversy among Americans. In response, many experts are pointing out that this policy is already in place in most police departments across the country.
Trump announced his plans for “indemnifying police” in a speech at the International Association of Police Chiefs convention in Orlando, Florida on October 8, 2020. During his speech, he stated “We will never allow a cruel bureaucracy to slow down your lifesaving work or to compromise the integrity of any police force in this country.”
Experts are now pointing out that the vast majority of police departments already have policies in place to protect their officers from being held liable in civil court for actions taken while on duty. They point out that most police department policies do not require that officers act with intention and, in some cases, even allow for actions taken “in good faith,” meaning that police can’t be held liable for any harm that results from their actions.
Many legal experts are also noting that, while the president’s plan may seem like it is offering protection and security to police officers, it could actually make policing even more dangerous. They point out that such policies, which remove judicial oversight and accountability, could lead to an increase in the use of excessive police force and a decrease in public safety.
Ultimately, it is clear that President Trump’s proposal to “indemnify the police” is nothing more than a political move, meant to garner support from law enforcement and the public. While the president’s intentions may be noble, experts warn that such a policy could actually lead to dangerous and, in some cases, deadly consequences, in an already contentious environment.
Hopefully, the controversy surrounding this proposal will not discredit or distract from the essential and difficult work done by police officers every day – police officers who have pledged to protect and serve their communities.
