The House Committee on Natural Resources recently passed the
Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would provide tribal law enforcement officers with the same training and benefits as federal law enforcement officers. This legislation could prove pivotal to the hiring and retention of tribal officers across the country.
Representing Resources
Under the bill, tribal officers acting under a
638 contract or compact would be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications, including having completed certain training and background investigation requirements that are comparable to Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers.
"This legislation will help keep our tribal lands safe and secure while supporting courageous law enforcement officers across the United States,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-AR and Committee Chairman.
Agreement Actions
One benefit of this act is that it would eliminate the need for Indian tribes to enter Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) agreements, which are currently required for existing tribal officers to enforce federal law. Previously, they were administratively burdensome for tribes to obtain.
Another major benefit of the bill is that benefits applicable to federal law enforcement officers for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits also apply to tribal officers – something previously not available.
FEDS Protection & Tribal Law Enforcement
FEDS Protection believes that tribal police officers deserve the same peace of mind as federal law enforcement officers. That is why we have provided professional liability insurance coverage for tribal law enforcement officers for over a decade. Tribal police officers are eligible for the same FEDS federal employee PLI policy as federal law enforcement officers, at the same price.
Now, more than ever, the need for liability protection is necessary for all federal employees. In light of the dangers and scrutiny associated with law enforcement actions on Indian land, federally deputized law enforcement officers within the scope of their duties can come under the microscope of criminal or administrative investigative inquiries.
What FEDS Offers
FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your personal capacity. The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs. Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at just $290. Additionally, federal managers and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.