By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Local police who work with immigration agents may be able to enroll in a new insurance policy that would cover legal fees if the police officers are accused of misconduct.
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The change would come from a new proposal from the Trump administration. But critics are already saying this would be a way for police to avoid accountability for bad behavior.
If a police officer is accused of misconduct, the proposed insurance would cover legal fees, settlements and judgments.
David Don, an Arizona civil rights attorney, questions why this is even necessary.
“What’s the need for offering this? That’s my first question,” Don said. “My conclusion is that it gives officers who may be reluctant to work with ICE an additional layer of legal protection if they’re subject to a lawsuit.”
Under the new proposal, local law enforcement officers who choose to work with ICE agents would get an extra blanket of legal protection.
If approved, an officer could buy a policy covering up to $500,000 dollars in personal liability. So, if they make an immigration arrest and are accused of misconduct, any legal fees that come with it would be covered.
The federal government would also reimburse the cost of the premiums expected to be $250 per year.
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Don said he doesn’t know if this would give officers a hall pass for bad behavior, but he said there would still be accountability.
“Insurance doesn’t create immunity,” he said. ”Insurance answers the question who will pay for the defense or the judgment.
“It’s a separate question was the conduct lawful or not, but the officer doesn’t get immunity from having additional insurance. In fact, the availability of additional insurance could make them a more attractive target for an individual liability lawsuit.”
Arizona’s Family is asking ICE officials in the Phoenix office about the proposal and how it would work.
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