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PoliticsFour Georgia State Troopers Fired for Filing False Injury Claims After Police Pursuits
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Four Georgia State Patrol troopers were fired after an internal investigation revealed they filed personal injury claims against the insurance companies of drivers they had pursued, including crashes caused by PIT maneuvers. The troopers sought settlements for stress, anxiety, and soreness despite not reporting injuries or seeking medical treatment at the time. Some collected tens of thousands of dollars and admitted the claims were a way to supplement their income. A supervisor reported hearing troopers joke about getting a 'check' after pursuits, which triggered the investigation. State Patrol policy prohibits troopers from profiting from on-duty incidents; injured officers must use the state's workers' compensation system instead of filing personal claims against drivers' insurance.
Source report
Four Georgia State Patrol troopers have been fired following an internal investigation that revealed they attempted to profit from police pursuits by filing personal injury claims against the insurance companies of drivers they had chased.
Investigation Findings
According to investigators, the troopers used crash reports from pursuits they initiated—including crashes caused by PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuvers—to seek settlements for claims of stress, anxiety, and soreness. In each case, the troopers had not reported any injuries or sought medical treatment at the time of the incident.
Financial Gains and Admissions
The investigation found that some troopers collected tens of thousands of dollars through these claims. Investigators reported that the troopers admitted the claims were a means to supplement their income.
How the Scheme Was Uncovered
A supervisor reported hearing troopers joke about receiving a "check" after pursuits. This report triggered the investigation that ultimately led to the officers' dismissal.
Policy Violations
State Patrol policy explicitly prohibits troopers from making money from incidents that occur while they are on duty. The policy requires that if troopers are injured on the job, they must:
- Report the injury
- Seek benefits through the state's workers' compensation system
Filing personal claims against a driver's insurance company is not an authorized alternative.
Source
Reason.comWestern
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Georgia Troopers Fired for Filing False Injury Claims After Police Pursuits