Q: Does FEDS offer any LEOSA-HR218 or State CCW Protection for federal LEOs?
Yes. We developed this coverage after requests from members of FEDS Protection to fill exposure gaps for federal law enforcement officers.
Be wary of carriers including LEOSA coverage at no cost. Call the carrier and ask questions. Call your FLEOA, WIFLE or law enforcement officer association representative with questions. Know what you’re getting, what you’re not getting, and the experience of the attorneys who will represent you in such a serious matter. You get what you pay for.
The Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004 and the LEOSA Improvements Act of 2010 exempt qualified active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) from state and local laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms so they could carry firearms to protect themselves, their families, and others from criminals and terrorists.
These Acts, however, do not shield qualified LEOs from civil and criminal liability exposure.
The relevant legal concepts and doctrines in the area of federal employee liability and LEOSA are complicated. In most cases, civil suits resulting from fully justified acts under LEOSA will likely by dismissed on immunity doctrines and Good Samaritan laws. However, not all qualified federal law enforcement officers under LEOSA have the same off-duty authority as 1811's do, and more importantly, this coverage was designed to fill the LEOSA civil exposure gaps similar to the on-duty civil liability gaps of federal agents if the agency finds the officer acting outside of scope, outside the interest of the U.S. to defend, and/or outside of agency LEOSA authority.