Memorandum
To: Elisa Stone; ENGL-2100
From: Megan Shears
Date: July 07, 2023
Subject: Self-insured Policing
"Self-insured policing" has begun gaining traction in law enforcement circles. Instead of relying
on external insurance carriers, self-insured policing refers to a system where police agencies bear
nancial responsibility for future legal claims and settlements from of cer misconduct.
While this system has advantages, it is critical to recognize the possible bene ts and risks of self-
insured policing. Consider a few essential points:
1. Cost Control: By self-insuring, police agencies can have greater direct control over their
nancial risk. It lets them save money for legal claims, potentially lowering long-term
insurance costs.
2. Accountability and Transparency: Self-insured policing encourages greater accountability
among law enforcement organizations. When agencies are held nancially liable for claims,
agencies are more motivated to address of cer misbehavior, adopt reforms, and enhance
training to reduce incidents.
3. Tailored Coverage: Self-insurance allows police agencies to tailor coverage to their speci c
requirements and distribute resources accordingly. This adaptability can help organizations
take a proactive approach to risk management and build specialized training programs.
4. Financial Risk: Self-insured policing includes the department's inherent risk of considerable
nancial responsibility. It requires careful nancial planning, reserve funds, and an accurate
evaluation of potential legal expenses. Unanticipated or large-scale claims might
burden department funds, affecting other essential services.
5. Expertise and Legal Support: To ef ciently manage claims in self-insured policing,
departments must have access to legal expertise. When navigating complex legal
processes, it is critical to have legal support or partnerships with law rms knowledgeable
in law enforcement matters.
Self-insured policing should be accompanied with extensive policies, training, and monitoring
procedures. To ensure that the strategy stays successful and connected with the department's
goals, it must be assessed and adjusted on a regular basis.
Megan Shears
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References
Ours, A., & Rappaport, J. (2019, January 31). Is Police Behavior Getting Worse? Data Selection
and the Measurement of Policing Harms. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/
papers.cfm?abstract_id=3325382
Rappaport, J. (2021, March 28). The Future of Police Liability. The Hill. https://thehill.com/
opinion/criminal-justice/545261-the-future-of-police-liability/
Rappaport, J. (n.d.). The University of Chicago the Law School. John Rapport on “How Private
Insurers Regulate Public Police” . https://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/john-rappaport-
how-private-insurers-regulate-public-police
Wulff, S. (2020, June 11). How Individual Professional Liability Insurance Could Reform US
Policing. How individual professional liability insurance could reform us policing - the
society pages. https://thesocietypages.org/specials/how-individual-professional-liability-
insurance-could-reform-us-policing/
