May 2010 PUBLIC OFFICIALS / POLICE PROFESSIONAL for PUBLIC  ENTITIES Is including coverage under a Package the best solution?  Maybe not!  In most situations, the broader coverage provided under a stand alone policy will more than justify the slight premium differential; as well as the claims handling from an insurer who specialized in these coverage. PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY A significant portion of the workforce is employed by some form of governmental entity.  Decisions made by public officials regarding business and building permits, zoning, employment practices and many seemingly unimportant everyday activities carry the potential of a devastating lawsuit.   Public Officials Liability provides coverage for Public Entities for claims against the entity, officials, employees and volunteers for wrongful acts committed in the performance of duties for the public entity and includes coverage for Employment Practices Liability.  Coverage is available for: Boroughs Cities Counties Housing Authorities Municipalities Sewer and Water Utilities Single Purpose Gov't Entities Townships Transit Authorities Consider the following:  A local business was forced to relocate.  The business owner sued the city for wrongfully changing the zoning where his business had been situated.  The case settled with the city paying $275,000 indemnity and $273,000 in defense costs. POLICE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY The balance of rights between the lawbreaker and the law have changed.  Courts have made it easier for criminals and suspects to bring suits against law enforcement and criminal justice personnel.  While many cases do not result in settlements or judgments, all have to be defended.  Police Professional Liability provides liability coverage for police officers and police departments, for with acts, errors and omissions while performing their professional duties.  The policies cover allegations such as false arrest and civil rights violations.  Eligible risks include: Centralized Law Enforcement Agencies:  Alcohol Beverage Control boards, Housing Authorities, Human Societies, Public & Private Schools / Colleges / Universities, Transit Authorities, other special service districts Correctional Facilities Municipal Police Departments Sheriff's Offices 911 Dispatch Services Consider the following:  A claimant alleges excessive force, personal injury and pain and suffering while in police custody.  A verdict has yet to be reached but to date, the county has paid $87,000 in defense costs. Tonya C. Hollederer, RPLU, ASLI Vice President / Senior Broker thollederer@RussellBond.com  Cell Ph: (716) 725-7451 Jackie Oddo Broker joddo@RussellBond.com  Cell Ph: (716) 228-3320   866 Ellicott Square Bldg.  |  295 Main Street  |  Buffalo  |  NY  |  14203 1670 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road  |  Hamilton  |  NJ  |  08690 233 College Highway  |  Southampton  |  MA  |  01073 800.333.7226  |  www.RussellBond.com  |  Fax: 800.677.6779   This message is being sent to producers of Russell Bond & Co., Inc.  If for some reason you do not want to receive our technical bulletins, please use the SafeUnscribe button below.