CLEAT Legal Plan enhanced in 2021

We are excited to announce new and improved benefits to the CLEAT Legal Plan. While the CLEAT Legal Plan is the best legal protection an officer can get to protect themselves and their careers, CLEAT has enhanced the benefits under the CLEAT Legal Plan making it even better.

In 2006, CLEAT recognized the devastating financial hardship officers experience following a temporary suspension. For too many officers, the loss of even a few days’ pay could wreak financial havoc on them and their families. CLEAT knew something needed to be done to help these officers, so CLEAT introduced the Temporary Income Protection Plan, or TIPPs. 

The proposal, as adopted, will increase the Temporary Income Protection Plan (TIPPs) from the current one hundred dollars ($100) per day for up to five (5) days per calendar year to two hundred dollars ($200) per day for up to ten (10) days per calendar year for all active CLEAT members who are in good standing at the time of the incident. In addition to the increase in the TIPPs program, CLEAT now offers Lost Off-Duty Income Protection. This program pays fifty dollars ($50) a day for up to ten (10) days per calendar year for qualifying members who suffer lost income from missed off-duty employment due to a temporary suspension.

CLEAT did not stop there. Now, under the CLEAT Legal Plan, the spouse of a member in good standing who has a valid and current license to carry permit will receive legal coverage, both civil and criminal, should the spouse be investigated for the lawful and justified use of a firearm at no additional cost. (See the CLEAT Legal Plan for complete details) 

The program was not designed to be a salary replacement plan but rather a bridge to help officers get through that difficult period. In the nearly 15 years since it was introduced, this revolutionary program has been well received by many grateful officers who saw it as a lifeline to help them and their families.

In these turbulent times, with politicians and activists calling for more discipline and prosecutions of officers and deputies and too many chiefs, sheriffs and constables bending to the political pressure by inflicting harsh discipline on officers and deputies at an alarming rate, CLEAT Executive Director Charley Wilkison, saw a need to make the TIPPs program even stronger. Wilkison put together a proposal and presented it at the January 2021 CLEAT Executive Board Meeting. The CLEAT Executive Board voted unanimously to adopt the Executive Director’s proposal.

CLEAT recognizes the hard work and sacrifices our members make to protect and serve our communities. CLEAT is working hard to protect you, your career, and your family’s future by providing our members the best legal protection available. 

This is an article in the February 2021 edition of the Texas Police STAR Newsletter.

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