LEGAL PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE
Concerning trends in LPP Claims
During the past six months, we have seen concerning trends in Legal Protection Plan( LPP) claims. While the plan remains as strong as ever, we need to remain vigilant in monitoring these claims.
A few administrations have been using the“ shotgun” approach in an attempt to go on fishing expeditions in the department. We have had two recent instances in which the entire department has been issued“ target” letters for instances that have occurred within the department. These have occurred in moderate-sized police departments over miniscule infractions.
While our plan enrollees should rest assured that coverage has been confirmed for each one of these members, the actions are clearly an abuse of power. We need the local leadership along with the attorneys to hold the administrations accountable for such actions.
With regards to target matters, several attorneys have been submitting bills in target of criminal matters for members who were summoned as witnesses in certain situations. While we confirm coverage for any member involved in the incident, a
member who was not involved likely will not be covered unless there is exposure for that member. This is determined on a caseby-case basis.
There is one more disturbing trend that is impacting costs to the plan, and that is member-on-member complaints. While we understand that this might be a last resort, it should be just that: a last resort.
These cases not only divide departments but are destructive to a Local and costly to the plan. We have had recent cases where there have been cross-complaints, and the plan has had to pit two of our attorneys against each other. This is something that we are monitoring, and should action need to be taken with regards to the plan document, the committee will bring it to the board of delegates.
As a final note, the committee has been reviewing requests for new attorneys to be added to the plan. As you know, we have very high standards for attorneys and have more than an adequate pool. We respectfully request that you only submit highly qualified attorneys for consideration, as it is burdensome to train attorneys in our processes for only one or two claims a year. d
16 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ APRIL 2017