Can providing legal advice attach liability to the telecommunicator and/or the employing agency?

Providing legal advice can indeed attach liability to the telecommunicator and/or the employing agency. Public Safety Telecommunicators are trained to gather information, dispatch services, and ensure public safety, but they are not qualified to provide legal counsel. When a telecommunicator offers legal advice, it can create a perception that they are acting in an official capacity beyond their role, potentially leading to adverse legal consequences.

If a telecommunicator gives incorrect information or advice regarding legal matters, it could result in misunderstandings or actions with legal implications for both the individual and the agency. This risk exists because it may lead individuals to rely on that advice in critical situations, and any negative outcome stemming from that reliance could lead to claims of negligence or misconduct.

Moreover, agencies typically have protocols in place to prevent their employees from stepping outside their official duties, including providing legal counsel. Engaging in such activities can undermine the credibility of the agency and impact its liability insurance coverage. Therefore, the liability arises from the potential ramifications of a telecommunicator's unwarranted declarations regarding legal matters.