PPOA Board Member
Security Officer, LASD
ggarcia@ppoa.com
Hello to my fellow PPOA members. It’s been a while since I have had a chance to write an article, but please know that I’ve been addressing a number of ongoing issues. From the uniform issue to PPOA legislative action to Department staffing shortages, there has been plenty to address here at PPOA. I will go into detail in the next few paragraphs.
I hope all the new Sheriff’s Security Officers (SSOs) are becoming acclimated to your assignment. It’s been a month, and I would like to know how members of Class #58 are doing on the job. Feel free to send an email to ggarcia@ppoa.com when you get a moment.
Speaking of new SSOs, we have a new Academy class that kicked off last month. By the time you read this article, they should be close to graduating. I know some members of Class #58 were once Sheriff’s Security Assistants, and I want to encourage them to work hard like always and learn as much as possible. The roles and responsibilities have increased, and I’m confident the new SSOs will excel in the Academy and on the job.
As for the uniform issue, I am now on the Sheriff’s Uniform Committee — a role that will provide more impact and more details on the process and the new protocol. Since we have a new sheriff in place, items and rules and requirements have changed. Some items have changed since the permission for uniforms adopted due to COVID has now been rescinded. We have to follow the new process under the personnel in charge. We will be meeting with employee relations regarding the issue and Department changes. At this time, Department administrative personnel are involved.
The legislative follow-up to the 4850 time is being addressed. PPOA legislative representatives and our union legal counsel are actively working on this. I will share updates as they become available.
I know some of you have reported movement and transfers from one assignment to another. In addition, some members have reported movement to different bureaus. Hopefully, the addition of new Academy classes will help bring movement closer to the standard we had a few years ago. Don’t forget to still submit your transfer to your bureau administrators and also submit the Department forms to Crisina Morris. If you need to get the form, let me know, and I can email it to you.
Some have expressed frustration with the process of your background in addition to the time-sensitive information being gathered. I relayed that concern to the Department. You may also wonder why a current Department employee is required to start the packet all over. I believe we should address the time-sensitive information to include a modified or updated background and keep the process going. I would hate for our Department personnel to lateral to other departments or agencies due to the time it takes for the current process to play out. We simply can’t afford to lose great candidates or possible future leaders to other departments.
I have heard numerous rumors about the College District modifying the terms of the contract. We are addressing those issues, and my first priority is to look out for each and every PPOA member. I put myself in your shoes as fellow Sheriff’s Security Officers, from those of you with decades of experience to those of you newly hired from Class #57. That statement applies to all bureaus. I have worked side by side with countless members in numerous assignments, and I am thankful for working with them at each of those units.
PPOA continues to deal with Department shortages across all of our classifications, including attempts to close various assignments. We are addressing the freezing of assignments and personnel getting injured while making sure PPOA members are afforded all the protections available to Department personnel.
The Public Records Request Act affects sworn personnel at this time, but it can potentially affect many, if not all, Department personnel, particularly those with public contact and those who carry firearms.
PPOA is also dealing with issues or incidents that arise from body-worn cameras. Rest assured, the PPOA Board and labor representation team are committed to protecting the rights of members.
The last few months have been hectic, and as a union, PPOA is always addressing multiple issues on a daily basis. Some of these union efforts affect members today, and others will have a positive impact on members in the future. Rest assured, we are tackling issues as they arise. Hopefully, you see the hard work being done as I fight for each and every one of you.
This summer has been scorching hot. Please stay cool and hydrated and keep an eye on your partners. At some locations, the backup can be seconds away. At others, you may have to wait 20 minutes. Know your location address, how to get help as quickly as possible and know the difference between an “assist” and a “backup” call.
Lastly, we have some Sheriff’s Security Officers out on injury leave. If you have extra time on the books, Officer Tay Ho and Officer Amalia Gutierrez would be appreciative if you could offer support by donating time.