ports with the sound public policy of the State of New Jersey .
While there are similarities , most counties and municipalities have their own indemnification ordinances and policies . Most have time limits or other prerequisites to triggering a law enforcement officer ’ s right to indemnification .
Unfortunately , some ordinances or policies only provide for a defense , not indemnification . Such was the unfortunate result in an unpublished published decision issued by the Appellate Division in July 2017 in the matter of Parchment v . City of East Orange . In that case , the court found that the City of East Orange , under its ordinances and status as self-insured and excess insurance coverage , was required only to provide two arresting officers with a defense — not indemnification — following an adverse verdict . Such a move by a municipality increases the probability that the involved law enforcement officers may have to explore other options , including personal bankruptcy , if unsuccessful in the litigation .
The key to any claim of indemnification is not to be denied on a procedural technicality . So , once served with any legal document , a law enforcement officer needs to advise his or her PBA union , attorney and superiors . d
A former municipal police officer , county corrections officer and municipal prosecutor , Stuart J . Alterman has represented law enforcement officers for more than 25 years in all areas of employment issues . He is a NJ State PBA Lifetime Silver Card recipient . Arthur J . Murray , who has extensive practice in the Office of Administrative Law in Law Enforcement Disciplinary Matters , contributed to this report .
The Law Firm of Alterman & Associates , LLC
Stuart J . Alterman , Esquire Jeffrey S . Ziegelheim , Esquire Arthur J . Murray , Esquire
Proudly representing Law Enforcement and Public Safety for a combined 80 years
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One Stop Shop for Public Safety Alterman & Associates , LLC have been an approved law firm with the PBA Legal Protection Plan since its inception .
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North Jersey Location 22 Church Street , Haledon , NJ 07508 ( 973 ) 956-1621
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