Understanding the Realities of Qualified Immunity
Mike Ranalli
Content Marketing Manager, Lexipol, and Retired Police Chief
In this episode, Mike Ranalli delves into the complexities of qualified immunity. Mike explains this legal doctrine, which protects government officials from civil liability when performing discretionary functions, provided their actions don’t violate clearly established rights. The discussion covers the pros and cons of qualified immunity, its impact on risk management and the importance of self-reflection within law enforcement agencies.
Ranalli also offers recommendations for risk managers to engage with agencies and promote continuous improvement in practices.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Mike Ranalli
Content Marketing Manager, Lexipol, and Retired Police Chief
Summary of Qualifications
Mike Ranalli was a police officer for 32 years and a police instructor and attorney for the past 33 years. He has continued to work with public safety in his current role with Lexipol.
Responsibilities
Mike's duties involve focusing on contemporary areas of risk in public safety and using the information to develop thought leadership training material. These materials include articles, webinars, and in-person training content. In his role with Lexipol, he has been working increasingly with risk pools and delivering training at staff conferences and/or the pools sponsored law enforcement training days.
Business Experience
-32 years in law enforcement with 10 of those years as a police chief.
-Attorney and police instructor for the last 33 years.
-Worked for Lexipol full-time for the past 9 years.
ERM Experience
Mike's focus as trainer has been on organizational risk management, which includes the concepts of ERM in all of his courses and this effort is complemented by his legal research.
Professional Affiliations
Member of the NYS Bar
Member of the Federal Bar - Northern District of NY
Education
Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice
Juris Doctor from Albany (NY) Law School
Force Science Institute Specialist (study of human performance factors)
