Tune in to Lamb McErlane’s latest legal podcast, In the Line of Fire – Episode 3, Building Trust in Law Enforcement  – Through the Development & Implementation of Policy & Training -Part 2. The podcast is hosted by Lamb McErlane Partner Christopher Gerber, Esq., with guests, PA Chiefs Association Executive Director, Scott Bohn, and former Police Chiefs Jerry Simpson and Jim Adams.

The In the Line of Fire podcast addresses a wide range of issues that pertain to Pennsylvania local government, law enforcement, and civil rights.

Podcast Summary

• Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association officials offer guidance on policies and best police practices
• Chris and Police Association officials discuss police department governance and the roles of those in charge of police operations and administration — and the critical need for a proper “bridge” between the governing body and the Police Department to ensure accountability.
• Chris discusses from a lawyer’s perspective what can arise when defending a Police Officer who is accused of using excessive force.
• Best practices on governance of police departments and enforcement of the subject policies — which include:
  • Effective communication up and down the chain of command, including the governing body;
  • Evaluation of performance to ensure accountability;
  • Training & counseling to ensure compliance with police;
  • A fair and impartial procedure to impose discipline in the event of misconduct and/or neglect of duty;
• A Board could be sued for failing to supervise and train its police officers; it is called a Monell A Monell claim allows individuals to sue municipalities and local government agencies (like police departments) for civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Established by the 1978 Supreme Court case Monell v. Department of Social Services, this doctrine holds entities liable if an official policy, custom, or practice—rather than just an individual officer’s actions—caused the violation.
• Annual training programs and review of police policy manuals are essential for the governing body— especially after newly elected officials take office.
• The Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) is an excellent resource to ensure your department’s compliance with the law. Get accredited, learn more here: pachiefs.org. 

The program is brought to you by Lamb McErlane Partner Christopher Gerber, Esq. of the law firm of Lamb McErlane – a full-service regional law firm based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Philadelphia, Newtown Square, Oxford, Media, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Wilmington, DE.   The firm has served the Philadelphia Region since 1971.

Biographies:

Christopher Gerber, Esq.

For the past 31 years, Chris has served as a civil rights attorney licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Chris is a partner at Lamb McErlane. He represents and advises public and private employers in connection with civil rights, labor and employment matters.

Chris has had a strong record of success, representing and advising public and private employers in civil rights, and labor and employment matters. He represents several police departments, municipalities and educational institutions, and advises townships, boroughs, regional police commissions and their staff on risk management, policy drafting and training.

Chris is a featured speaker and author on issues that impact police management and liability on behalf of municipal organizations such as the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB). 610.701.3270, cgerber@lambmcerlane.com.

Chief Jerry Simpson serves as the Testing and Consulting Manager for the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, Lead Instructor for the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academies in Pennsylvania, and as a guest instructor for the International Law Enforcement Academy.  He also owns and operates Rarefied Leadership Group, LLC, a firm specializing in investigative, consulting, and interim executive services for municipalities and organizations.

Chief Jim Adams is a retired law enforcement veteran who served as the Police Chief for the Upper Allen Township Police Department in Pennsylvania. He is recognized for his leadership, including his role as a chairperson for the PA Law Enforcement Coalition and his work with the PA Chiefs of Police Association Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC).

Chief Scott Bohn is the former Police Chief of West Chester and is the current Director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, a professional organization of more than 1,000 chiefs of police and other executives of police, public safety and private law enforcement organizations across the state.

Lamb McErlane PC Legal Podcasts are also available on: Spotify, iTunes, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Lamb McErlane Legal Shows/Podcasts are also aired on WCHE 95.3FM/1520AM.

The information provided during this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  You should not act upon any information provided, without seeking legal counsel.  Moreover, the views and opinions expressed today are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lamb McErlane. 

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