Definition of "In the line of Duty"

[rickinvegas]

This is NOT meant to diminish the horrific crime that occured last week when Metro Officer Trevor Nettleton was murdered in his home in NLV but, Why is this considered "In the line of duty"?

The local news is saying that this is because he used his service weapon to return fire on the gang bangers who were trying to rob him. Does this mean that if he used a personal weapon, it would just be another murder? I have never heard of this definition before. Perhaps it is to allow his family access to additional insurance?

Again, I am not saying this crime is any less important but I do feel very strongly about preserving the meaning of terms. I DO believe that an officer who dies in the service of the community or protecting others is different. Thoughts?

[Mike C (Perro)]

it sure seems to get worse and worse every day since the economy went to shit

i worry more and more about crime in this city by the day

[VegasSMG]

You're correct Mike... it's bad out there and only bound to get worse.

Good question Rick and I think you already have the correct answer.
Here's the reply I received ater I made an inquiery.



As for the "in the line of duty", it has me scratching my head, too. Here are my thoughts and possible explanation.

First, cops are told they are on duty 24 hours a day, though they sure as hell don't get paid for it. The use of his duty weapon just doesn't ring true because had he used it in a "bad" off duty shooting, the Dept. would have denied any connection with the use his department issued pistol, his "bad" shooting' and the department to avoid their liability.

Secondly, I do know if a cop is killed "in the line of duty" there is a federal fund which gives his family, I believe $100,000 death benefit. That to me seems to be the purest reason for declaring the murder an, "in the line of duty", to help his family out financially.

Finally, a murdered cop is a great story for obtaining additional funding for man power, training, and equipment. Nothing tears at a tax payers heart strings and I might add, purse strings more then the story of a cop gunned down "in the line of duty"!

Just my thoughts.

[VegasSMG]

I received this from a subgunning buddy who's been an officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for over two decades.


Line of duty differs between Federal and State, with just about every State defining it differently. For the Federal Government line of duty benefits he would have had to been working his scheduled shift...eligible for workman's comp if he had survived... In Arizona they have stretched your scheduled shift to 30 minutes prior to or after your shift to afford you travel time to and from work. (We had a couple of officers killed by drunk drivers on their way to or home from work) The only other exception would be if you were carrying out a law enforcement function. Being a victim is not carrying out a law enforcement function, but if he yelled "Police" or tried to apprehend them as they were getting away... I do not know how successful Arizona has been in arguing the 30 minutes prior to or after shift with the Feds. I know we have tried, but I do not know the outcome.