Heightened public awareness on police accountability in incidents of misconduct is pushing up payouts for law enforcement claims , according to Michael Othworth , vice president and senior unit general manager of Risk Management and Insurance Services ’ Stamford , Connecticut business . Othworth said the increase has been caused by social movements like Black Lives Matter , and increased media coverage on police misconduct . “If you can use qualified immunity in the right kind of case, you can get yourself out of a lot of messes,” Mr. Otworth said. The increase in claims also comes alongside the US Supreme Court and federal appellate courts ’ seeking to expand protection for government officials .
Heightened public awareness on police accountability in incidents of misconduct is pushing up payouts for law enforcement claims , according to Michael Othworth , vice president and senior unit general manager of Risk Management and Insurance Services ’ Stamford , Connecticut business . Othworth said the increase has been caused by social movements like Black Lives Matter , and increased media coverage on police misconduct . The increase in claims also comes alongside the US Supreme Court and federal appellate courts ’ seeking to expand protection for government officials .