Use of force creates an exposure for criminal and civil liability for law enforcement. In 2022, excessive force has created the largest incurred claims total for all SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund claims. There has been an increase in large verdicts and settlements for these law enforcement claims. The impact of these verdicts and settlements increases the underwriting experience modifier, which in turn increases the insurance premiums for municipalities.
To help with these kinds of issues, the SCMIRF offers law enforcement training each year to its members. On May 16, 2023, SCMIRF will offer "The Law and Best Practices for Law Enforcement Use of Force and Pursuits" training. Jack Ryan of the Legal Liability Risk Management Institute will present the training.
The session will cover legal issues in use of force, such as the application of qualified immunity to use of force, major cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, and civil and criminal exposure at the state and federal level. Ryan will present information on how police pursuits have changed and U.S. Supreme Court cases that have impacted pursuits.
Registration for the training will open on April 3, 2023. For more information on upcoming training, contact Joy Gloster, training and data analyst at jgloster@masc.sc.