As of July 1, Rockingham County will have new law enforcement liability insurance following a series of events that led to its previous provider dropping it.
According to a county news release, the coverage is for officers to perform without fear of adequate representation for split-second decisions while on duty.
The news release also stated, “Rockingham County found itself in a situation caused by multiple instances of the Sheriff’s Department failing to adequately notify parties of incidents within the department.”
The new coverage will cost the county more than double its previous coverage. Last year’s premium was approximately $161,000. Now, it’s approximately $351,000, which is a 118% increase.
Last year’s deductible for the county was $10,000. Now, it’s $200,000, which is a 1900% increase.
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page said the previous provider recently asked the sheriff’s office to change how it reports inmate deaths.
In a statement, Page explained …