Expanding PPOA’s Professional Network

I am ever mindful of our unique membership, whose individuals are committed to a “Tradition of Success.” We support this tradition through the expanding professional network of our association. PPOA proactively works with county employers and other professional groups to fight for the necessary changes in policies and laws.

Among the many influential organizations with which we align, PPOA is proud to be a member of the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA). A contract city is, in essence, a municipality that has contracts for various services with government agencies. Like our association, the CCCA has been in existence since the 1950s. Also like PPOA, the CCCA has championed innovation and growth based on the principle that strength exists among collective entities.

It was not long before the CCCA grew exponentially from only a handful of municipalities to now embodying 80 cities in and around Los Angeles County. Currently, 42 cities directly contract for services with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which brings $315 million in annual revenue to the Department. Membership in the CCCA affords us access to and collaboration with elected city councilmembers and other public officials. We will continue to update you on our professional working relationship with the CCCA and other organizations PPOA aligns with to ensure you have an advocate on all fronts.

Last month, PPOA had the privilege of cosponsoring the annual Baker to Vegas Barbecue, along with ALADS and the Homicide Bureau. It was our honor to participate in this phenomenal gathering attended by law enforcement officers from across our state and throughout the nation. Thank you for visiting our PPOA B2V hospitality station at the barbecue, where we were able to conduct numerous raffles and award unique prizes and gifts to our members. My accolades to all who organized and assisted with the Baker to Vegas Barbecue. Congratulations to all who participated in this grueling race, including runners, alternates, support staff and volunteers.

On the legislative front, PPOA is heavily engaged not only on the local level, but also with the State Legislature. We lobby for laws that support your duties amid the challenging and increasingly complex realm in which we work. PPOA also opposes legislation that negatively impacts public safety. California Assemblymember Corey Jackson is attempting to reintroduce a bill (AB 2042) that would require our Department to adopt restrictive policies for the deployment of our canine units. Canines increase officer safety and are cost-effective, particularly when compared to other methods and technologies. Based on these facts, I authored a letter (see tinyurl.com/ab2042letter) to Assemblymember Jackson, advising him of our strong opposition to this bill. 

Regarding the care and support of our members, I want to recognize a profound resource we have within PPOA, the Star and Shield Foundation. I have the honor of chairing this foundation in coordination with its diverse, dedicated Board of Directors and key corporate sponsors. Families continually express to PPOA their immense gratitude for the support they have received from our foundation in their most severe time of need. Presiding over the Star and Shield Foundation is one of the most rewarding aspects of my duties here at PPOA. 

We hope to see you at our Star and Shield Foundation’s upcoming 16th annual Peace Officer Memorial Golf Tournament, which will be held on June 24 at Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. This tournament is our primary fundraiser and wholeheartedly supports our mission to provide crucial resources for PPOA members and their families.

As we move forward in 2024, we will continue to promote the professional interests of our members by protecting individual and collective rights. We are committed to fighting for you and we appreciate all that you do. Please stay well and stay safe, and we will see you very soon.