Law enforcement is not a profession whose members shy away from risk. However, in addition to risks to their safety, in virtually every aspect of the job, officers must be concerned with liability mitigation to protect the community they serve, as well as themselves and their agency.

Amid developing national and global crises, risk management is possibly more complicated and critical than ever before.

When COVID-19 struck the United States, law enforcement agencies were faced with the challenge of minimizing the risks of contracting and spreading the virus, while also supporting local policies for mask enforcement, closures of businesses, and safe practices in communal spaces. This also meant a temporary stop to all in-person training for many agencies, posing challenges for their need to meet training standards.

Simultaneously, law enforcement departments across the United States faced public and media scrutiny. Mass demonstrations in major cities called for defunding police agencies and brought political and public attention to agencies’ procedures and officers’ conduct.

These strained community relations, as well as budget constraints, have impacted retention and recruitment. Law enforcement agencies are expected to cover more significant regions with adequate response times with fewer, potentially less-seasoned personnel.

Deploying Tech to Reduce Liability, Limit Expenses, and Improve Performance

Adaptability is vital for navigating uncharted territories. With liability reduction in mind, agencies must anticipate new challenges and ensure their personnel are prepared.

Chief Kenneth Miller of the Petersburg, Virginia, Bureau of Police  weighed in on the challenges and solutions for law enforcement to effectively manage liability. Chief Miller began his law enforcement career in 1980 and has received more than 100 letters of commendation or appreciation. He described the formula to a successful law enforcement agency as, “Oversight x Accountability + Efficiency = Effectiveness.”

“It’s a mindset from a liability standpoint,” he said. “If an agency is transparent, puts in the effort to serve its community, and holds officers to high standards, it can better ensure successful outcomes.”

One way to achieve success is by leveraging technology for policy management, recordkeeping, and training. Agencies can distribute essential communication and keep accurate records of an officer’s competencies. Effective policy distribution ensures every employee in the department understands what is expected of them and is accountable. An online solution makes it easier to communicate policies to personnel, allows for eSignature acknowledgments, and tracks signed records.

In addition to policy management, innovations in training management are essential to protecting your agency. Chief Miller emphasized the importance of adapting training to reflect current events.

“Training has to match the potential liability,” Chief Miller said. “It’s a game of chess, not checkers. Training has to be all-encompassing, and you have to plan for what’s ahead.”

Retired Chief Bill Harvey, who serves on the advisory board for the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, believes budget cuts will cause municipalities to reduce their training programs, which take up a big part of a department’s budget. Technology can help offset these budget concerns with a cost-effective solution to distribute and track training for each employee. This is critical, Chief Harvey emphasized, as it’s up to the agency to be proactive and protect itself against potentially debilitating lawsuits.

“Digital records show proof of competencies not only for active-duty officers, but also for retired employees as liability cases can come up even years after an officer is off the force,” said Chief Harvey, who served for more than 40 total years with the Savannah, Georgia, Police Department; Lebanon City, Pennsylvania, Police Department; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Police Department.

In addition, online training courses allow officers to complete continuing education on their own time, thus, reducing overtime for in-class refresher sessions. The ability to track in-person and online training makes it simple to oversee an employee’s training compliance. More accessible records allow the department to assess how an officer is progressing and keeps things from falling through the cracks.

Other technological solutions for law enforcement, such as body-worn cameras, can play a considerable role in liability reduction. However, this costly equipment depreciates and requires expensive replacements. An online records management solution can record and track routine equipment inspections to make sure the agency’s technology is working correctly, report any damages, monitor equipment repairs, and minimize lost equipment.

While it may not be possible to predict what’s to come, law enforcement agencies can be proactive and stay prepared. New law enforcement technologies will be crucial in streamlining training management and re-certifications, policy distribution, equipment inspections, and more.