Greg Torres

4/13/22: The Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA) announced today that it is officially endorsing retired LASD Commander Eli Vera in his bid to be the next Sheriff of Los Angeles County. PPOA went through an exhaustive process to come to this decision, including:

Establishing a Sheriff Election Committee consisting of 12 PPOA Board Members and Delegates
Co-Hosting a candidates forum with ALADS on January 26, 2022
Hosting candidate interviews on February 4-7, 2022
Conducting a survey of membership in March 2022, and
An extensive vetting of the candidates by the Sheriff Election Committee

Today, the PPOA Board of Directors reviewed the work and efforts of the Sheriff Election Committee, and had lengthy discussions about the leadership qualities of all seven candidates who sought the endorsement of PPOA. All Board Members participated in the dialogue which allowed an exchange on topics including the positives and negatives of each candidate, endorsements, election scenarios, and impacts on PPOA membership.

After considering all the criteria above, the Board came to a collective decision. “I want to thank all seven candidates for participating in PPOA’s endorsement process, as well as the Sheriff Election Committee for their objective analysis,” said PPOA President Tab Rhodes. “Ultimately, the Board of Directors decided to endorse retired Commander Eli Vera, who represents the experience, temperament, and skills needed to lead the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”

Memorial Ceremony Reimbursement for PPOA Members

April 13, 2022 by Greg Torres

PPOA is proud to announce that your association will issue a reimbursement up to $350 for members who attend the upcoming 2022 California Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento.

All members are strongly encouraged to attend the candlelight vigil on May 1st and the memorial ceremony on May 2nd to help honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen brothers and sisters. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled and all fallen officers who would have been honored at those ceremonies are now scheduled to be memorialized at the 2022 ceremony (click here for full, updated list of honorees.)

Reimbursement eligibility is limited to the first 10 full dues-paying, active PPOA members who call the union office to register. Following the event, each eligible member must submit receipts for hotel and travel expenses to PPOA for reimbursement.

If you plan to attend the memorial ceremony and would like to be eligible for reimbursement, please call PPOA at (323) 261-3010.

TRO Update — County Code 18.10

April 7, 2022 by Greg Torres

On April 5th, 2022, the LA County Board of Supervisors, over PPOA’s verbal and written objections, enacted an ordinance that, in essence, stripped the Sheriff of his disciplinary authority over his personnel who have not complied with the County’s Vaccination Policy. The ordinance was to take effect immediately, which would subject PPOA members to being issued notices of discipline, up to termination, the day after the ordinance was passed.

In order to stop the immediate implementation of this ordinance, attorneys for PPOA went to court on April 6th and filed for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and for an Order to Show Cause regarding a preliminary injunction. The County filed an Opposition to the TRO and the matter was heard in front of LA County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff in Department 86, on April 7th, 2022, at 8:30 AM.

During the oral argument in this matter, PPOA’s attorneys argued that the ordinance would result in imminent harm to its members since the language contained in the ordinance noted that it would be effective immediately, subjecting PPOA members to immediate discipline leading up to termination if they did not have proof of vaccination and/or a valid religious or medical exemption. Judge Beckloff indicated that if the County was indeed implementing this Policy immediately, then PPOA’s argument that there was an immediate harm to its members would be sustained and an injunction would likely be issued and be appropriate. However, upon the Judge’s questioning of counsel for the County, faced with the likely issuing of a TRO, the County on the record for the first time, revealed that it is not the intention of the County to immediately implement this ordinance and that they intend to continue to discuss the policy and procedures that would be put in place and when this ordinance will be rolled out to Sheriff personnel. The Judge took particular note of the County’s binding assertion that they would comply with the DHR COVID Vaccine Policy which provides for a written notice of non-compliance and a 45-day period of compliance followed by a series of potential discipline starting with a five-day suspension. By taking judicial note, the County is now bound by their assertions made in front of the Judge that were used to prevent the Judge from issuing a Temporary Restraining Order.

Although the TRO was not issued, PPOA accomplished stopping the immediate implementation of the ordinance. The Court encouraged all parties to meet and confer over the ordinance and advance further legal challenges if necessary. If and when the DHR policies are rolled out and our members receive the 45-day notice, the court made it clear that PPOA may immediately request an expedited date for a preliminary injunction on the implementation of the ordinance until litigation on the validity of the ordinance is determined. PPOA has secured an initial date for the preliminary injunction, which is set for Friday, July 22 an 9:30 AM. If any member receives a 45-day notice prior to the date of our preliminary injunction hearing, please contact PPOA as we will expedite the arguments to take further legal action.

PPOA Files TRO re: Board of Supervisors’ Vote

April 6, 2022 by Greg Torres

This morning (4/6/22), PPOA filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) from permanently changing the County Code/Civil Service Rules and undermining the entirety of established County labor relations. Fortunately, a hearing on this matter was granted and is scheduled for 8:30AM tomorrow (4/7/22) morning.

Background: Yesterday, the BOS agenda included Item #80 — a proposed amendment to Civil Service Rules which would “provide the Director of Personnel authority to discipline any County employee for noncompliance with the County of Los Angeles’ COVID-19 Vaccination Policy or related directives.” A number of PPOA members, including President Tab Rhodes, called in to the virtual BOS meeting to express firm opposition to the proposal. Despite the input from union members, the BOS voted 4-1 to add Rule 18.10 to County Civil Service Rules (Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the lone dissenting vote.)

The Board’s action not only undermines the authority of the Sheriff, but it also violates negotiated labor contracts, the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights and the County’s duty to meet and confer with PPOA on this matter.

As the certified representative for Bargaining Units 612, 614, 621 and 631/632, PPOA filed for the TRO to prevent the County from permanently changing the Civil Service Rules. This application for preliminary injunctive relief was made on the grounds that the new amendment will cause immediate and irreparable injury to PPOA members (due to circumventing negotiated contracts) and the potential for mass discharges of County peace officers.

PPOA remains steadfastly committed to fighting against this decision from the Board of Supervisors. We will update members on the outcome of tomorrow’s hearing and any further developments as they occur.