Reading Room Document
Contractual Exemption from Liability for Agents' Negligence in FBI Law Enforcement Training for State and Local Law Enforcement Officers
This document discusses the legality of FBI agents requiring trainees to agree not to sue them individually for injuries caused by negligence during training. The conclusion reached is that such agreements are legally improper and unenforceable. The document presents questions about the authority of individual agents to set conditions for entry into a federal program, the enforceability of the agreements as a matter of common law, and the potential violation of federal regulations regarding compensation for services. The document also highlights the fact that the United States would remain liable for any negligence covered by the Federal Torts Claims Act, and that no agent has yet been sued in his personal capacity in connection with the FBI training program.
The OLC's Opinions
Opinions published by the OLC, including those released in response to our FOIA lawsuit