In recent weeks, President Trump has promised to provide legal protections for police officers across the country. The move comes days after House Democrats passed a police reform package in response to the killing of George Floyd and the outrage it sparked. Critics have raised concerns that Trump’s promises to provide legal protection for police officers could have unintended consequences. But experts say the reality is that many law enforcement agencies already have immunity policies in place that protect officers from lawsuits or criminal prosecution if they act in good faith. Many officers are already given Qualified Immunity, a legal precedent established by the Supreme Court in 1967 which, in broad strokes, prevents suits from being brought against public officials who have acted in good faith. The idea behind it is to protect officers from frivolous lawsuits. However, recently the concept has come under fire as many argue it can be used as a barrier to protect officers who break the law and abuse their authority. Despite this, experts say that providing legal protections for police officers is generally a good idea, especially when it is done within the current legal framework. Many argue that it helps officers feel more comfortable in making decisions in the line of duty and gives them the ability to do their jobs without the fear of repercussions. Trump’s pledge to indemnify law enforcement agencies has been widely praised by the President’s allies in Congress. Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH), for example, has argued that it is an important step toward restoring public trust in law enforcement. He said, “This new policy will help ensure that our nation’s police officers have the confidence to act heroically in defense of our country without fear of being sued or prosecuted.” At the same time, many opponents of the proposal have argued that having an extra layer of protection for officers can lead to a greater sense of insulation from accountability. Electronic rights groups such as the ACLU and the Brennan Center for Justice have warned that indemnifying officers could lead to a reluctance to hold officers accountable for their actions. While it’s still unclear exactly what Trump’s proposal will look like, the idea of providing legal protection for police officers is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While it may help to encourage more confidence in law enforcement, it may also lead to a lack of accountability. It is up to lawmakers to strike a balance and ensure that officers are adequately protected while also being held accountable for their actions.