Peace Officers Research Association of California > RAM Firearms Coverage > FAQ

FAQ

PORAC LDF Plan V

Q. I just separated from service, and was denied a CCW, can I still join RAM/LDF to appeal the denial?
A. Yes. RAM/LDF will allow you 10 days following your separation from service to join RAM/LDF and obtain representation for the appeal. This 10-day retroactive coverage is only available to individuals who were PORAC LDF members immediately prior to retirement.

Q. Presently, I work as a private security guard/private investigator; will this coverage apply to me?
A. RAM/LDF coverage does not apply to any actions you take while employed in any capacity. The Plan covers you for shootings which occur while not working and in self defense or defense of others.

Q. I am fully retired but have returned to work part time as a peace officer. Will this coverage apply to me?
A. No. If you are working as a part-time/reserve peace officer, you must be enrolled in another LDF benefit plan to cover you for actions within the scope of employment. While off duty, RAM/LDF coverage would provide a legal defense for any discharge of a firearm taken in self defense, or defense of others.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. In addition to the cost of PORAC RAM membership, RAM/LDF coverage costs $48 per member, per year.

Q. What are the criteria needed to join?
A. You must be a retired peace officer, and a member of PORAC RAM.

Q. Will this protect me outside the State of California?
A. Yes, so long as you meet all of the requirements under the plan and are not subject to any of the exclusions, RAM/LDF will provide you with legal representation arising out of any covered action within the United States.

Q. Do I have to join PORAC RAM in order to obtain access to this LDF plan?
A. Yes.

Q. Are their limits or caps to the benefits available?
A. No. As with any benefit plan provided by LDF, there are no predetermined monetary limitations or caps on the attorney fees or costs reasonably needed to represent you.

Q. Can I choose the attorney who will represent me?
A. No. LDF will select the appropriate qualified attorney to represent you.

Q. Must I be retired in order to participate in this plan?
A. Yes.

Q. In the event of an emergency, can I access an attorney 24 hours a day?
A. So long as the event occurred within the geographic scope of coverage (i.e. most of the United States), an attorney will be available to you on an emergency basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If outside the area where LDF presently has panel attorneys, one will be found and engaged to represent you within a reasonable period of time.

Q. If I have to use my weapon to defend myself, and I am later criminally charged for doing so, will RAM/LDF pay for my attorney?
A. Yes. So long as you meet all of the requirements under the plan, and are not subject to any of the exclusions, then RAM/LDF will pay for your entire attorney fees needed to represent you

Q. What does the civil coverage include?
A. If you discharge a firearm in self defense or defense of others, and you later get sued for that shooting, RAM/LDF will fully defend you in that lawsuit. LDF will not “indemnify” (i.e. pay the judgment or settlement amount), but only defend.

Q. Are there any deductibles?
A. No. You pay nothing out of pocket.