Throughout February and March, VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) partnered with Jack Ryan from the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute to provide Demonstrations, Protest and Civil Unrest training at locations around the state.
The sessions were designed to provide attendees with guidance on best practices for managing demonstrations and protests, a review of the legal standards of the First Amendment, a review of response to resistance policies, media relations best practices, and more.
“VMLIP recognized that these types of events are uncharted territory for many of our members, and we wanted to help them prepare,” said VMLIP Director of Risk Services Thomas Bullock. “We felt this class would give our members the tools and knowledge they need to effectively manage demonstrations and protests in a safe and legal manner.”
The events were made available to all VMLIP members with law enforcement liability coverage, not just law enforcement officers. Many elected officials and entity employees also attended.
Ryan presented at six sessions in February and March, with more than 152 employees representing 35 entities in attendance. One session was rescheduled due to snow and will be held in early May.
Ryan is an attorney in Rhode Island with more than 20 years experience as a police officer with the Providence Police Department. Ryan has authored several legal publications, including the Legal Guide for Law Enforcement Officers and Supervisors – an annually updated quick reference guide to U.S. Supreme Court case law impacting law enforcement policies and procedures.
“The evaluations we received were positive, and the classes garnered a lot of discussion regarding the role that the First and Fourth Amendments play when managing demonstrations and protests of all kinds.” said Bullock. “The most important takeaway was that these events require planning, effective communications, and teamwork from all departments within an involved entity.”
A final workshop will be held on Thursday, May 10 in Glen Allen. For more information, contact Thomas Bullock at: tbullock@vmlins.org or Gary Dillon at: gdillon@vmlins.org.