A Refresher on Rights and Protections for PPOA Members

As a PPOA member, you have rights and protections afforded to you by association. Here are some examples: 

1. The right to representation at any disciplinary proceedings.
2. The right to proceed to an appeal in front of ERCOM.
3. You can attend Board meetings and events.
4. The right to vote on a contract.
5. Accessibility to your Board and labor representatives.
6. Access to legal defense through the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

PPOA is the exclusive negotiator for your contract and can enforce your MOU. PPOA meets directly with Custody and Patrol Division executives to resolve issues within custody, courts and our station jails.

We work with lobbyists in Sacramento to fight for our members’ interests and support or help draft legislation that protects our members, such as when Custody Assistants acquired 4850 time.

Rights are protected, such as during the horrid vaccine mandates. No member was disciplined or terminated behind the County’s poorly conceived policies under the veil of protecting the public.

Your PPOA labor reps are available 24/7. Members are often unsure of when to call for representation. Call PPOA when:

1. You are named as a suspect in an IAB or divisional investigation. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong; it is never in your best interest to submit to an interview without representation.
2. You are interviewed as a witness and you have a reasonable belief that you may be subjected to disciplinary action as a result of being interviewed.
3. You are questioned by a supervisor regarding conduct that may be interpreted as a violation of Department policy or the law.
4. You are instructed by a supervisor to sign any document that alleges you were involved in conduct that may be interpreted as a violation of the law or Department policy.

These are times of immense scrutiny, increased workload due to significant staffing shortages and challenges as to how you defend yourself or your partners, or the manner in which you conduct your Title 15 checks.

I encourage you to read your unit orders. Often, they will clarify an issue or provide you with the support for you or your representative to make the argument on your behalf.

When conflicted as to what to do, protect your character and career by utilizing your union and its resources.

Be safe.