This is a "how to" seminar designed to develop a concept of "preventive civil liability." It is presented so the agency may avoid pitfalls in public liability.
With the rising number of civil liability complaints filed against law enforcement agencies, this course will provide instruction on the basis for legal liability. It will also focus on programs designed to reduce liability-incurring situations.
Basis of Liability - False arrest and imprisonment; brutality; assault and battery; misuse of firearms; negligent appointment; assignment, entrustment, and retention; negligent failure to train, direct and supervise; illegal search and seizure; vicarious liability; wrongful death.
Defense Problems - Damages awarded, federal course, importance of investigations, evidence problems facing district attorneys, steps of a law suit, discovery of files, release without prosecution issues, off-duty incidents and liability.
Selection of Personnel - Training to prevent lawsuits, police shooting problems, orienting physical training towards preventing lawsuits, continued training to avoid liability.
Governmental Immunities & Federal Liabilities - Tort Claims Act, liability for dangerous condition of public property, failure to inspect, employee misrepresentation, Joint Powers Agreements, independent contractors, failure to discharge mandatory duty, failure to warn, injury to prisoners, motor vehicles, defense rights of employees.
Employment Right Litigation - The 1964 Civil Rights Act as amended, basis for complaints, Equal Opportunities Law, unlawful discriminations, developing proper testing, recent developments.
