The Pendulum Swings Toward Public Safety

We are an association of members who perform honorably with professionalism and endurance within Los Angeles County against the ominous effects of such things as consent decrees, settlement proposals, reformist legislation, new policies based on progressive reform, rising crime, rising assaults on our personnel, massive overtime, mental health challenges, suicide and the rising cost of living. Yet, we still produce quality results within the Sheriff’s Department, the Medical Examiner’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation.

Let us also not forget pending challenges such as the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. This is on top of the fact that recruitment and retention of personnel are at historic all-time lows. As we move into our contract negotiations, the County must comprehend this harsh landscape and accommodate these constraints with appropriate pay, incentives and working conditions.

This year’s upcoming general election cycle has brought to the surface unique candidates and significant legislative proposals; PPOA is and will be strongly engaged to protect your rights and livelihood. Key races this November (such as the district attorney’s position) may have an outcome that is heavily influenced by other candidates and initiatives that appear on the ballot from the local to the national level.

In collaboration with our affiliated unions and through our lobbying efforts, we are strategically fighting within the political realm to ensure you remain viable, healthy and safe.

In response to this upcoming campaign cycle, elected officials from both sides of the aisle (even ultra-progressives) vying to remain in office while appeasing their constituents have made the prevention of serialized retail theft and other related crimes a priority. This forecast is an indicator of the pendulum swinging back in favor of public safety. We do not know the degree to which it will swing back but we need to remain flexible, patient and vigilant.

PPOA remains at the forefront of opposing laws that would negatively impact our profession. Throughout the past six months, our Legislative Committee, in concert with our lobbying firm, has met extensively to monitor and review over 100 bills developing within both houses of the California State Legislature.

This month, Assembly Bill 28 takes effect as law and requires an 11% excise tax on the sale of many firearms and ammunition. However, we are proud to report that Assembly Bill 28 exempts active/retired police officers, and law enforcement agencies will not face the new tax, per 36021(a) PC.

Regarding proposed and amended Department policies, since January 1, 2024, PPOA has engaged in more than 25 meet-and-confer sessions with the Department for a combined total of more than 50 hours. These topics, which affect all PPOA members, include body-worn cameras, use of force, vacation selection, deputy cliques, schedule changes and grooming standards, to name a few. 

This past May, PPOA was honored to participate in the California Peace Officers’ Memorial in Sacramento, honoring Deputy Clinkunbroomer and his family. We assisted with the movement of PPOA and ALADS members cycling along the Unity Tour from Somerset, New Jersey, to D.C. and participated in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial also honored Deputy Clinkunbroomer, as well as our deceased PPOA member, Sergeant Frank Murillo. We had the honor of personally escorting the Murillo family to Washington, D.C., and they were beyond appreciative of the love and support from the PPOA family.

I know I am not alone when I say it is difficult to put into words the moment you see one of our member’s names inscribed on a memorial wall. However, we are proud to support this tradition and shall always remember the legacies of our fallen. 

At one of the memorials, I overheard a family member of a fallen officer express her deep-seated fear that her fallen loved one would be forgotten. We promised to never let that happen! One of the ways we do this is through our annual Peace Officer Memorial Golf Tournament. 

It was with tremendous honor that on June 24, we hosted our 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Friendly Hills Golf Course in Whittier. As you may well be aware, PPOA, via our Star & Shield Foundation, is committed to supporting the families of fallen officers. The proceeds from the tournament assist family members with unexpected financial burdens, including funeral costs and travel expenses for family members attending peace officer memorial ceremonies in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. 

This golf tournament represents our Foundation’s primary vehicle to raise the critical funds needed to support the survivors of fallen officers. We are extremely grateful to our tournament sponsors. Their commitment is sincerely appreciated by the men and women in law enforcement and confirms that our trusted supporters recognize the sacrifices made by fallen officers.  

We were extremely thankful for the volunteers and staff members who worked tirelessly to make this event memorable for all in attendance. If you participated, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the tournament, contests and fellowship with friends and law enforcement family members. If not, I hope to see you at our next tournament, which will also be held at Friendly Hills Golf Course on June 2, 2025.

Last month, PPOA was once again proud to gather and announce the winners of our 2024 college scholarship awards. These scholarships will help further the education of PPOA members and their children. Since the inception of this scholarship program, PPOA has been honored to contribute nearly $150,000 to help students achieve educational goals.  

I would like to thank Undersheriff April Tardy, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department, and Chief Robert Arcos, who attended on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation. We had a record number of applicants this year, and the competition was stiff. Nonetheless, it was PPOA’s privilege to participate in the transformational experience that comes with the pursuit of academic excellence.

I had the honor of attending the 108th birthday of Sergeant Joe Harris in Compton on June 29. Sergeant Harris is the father of one of our PPOA members, Law Enforcement Technician Tanya Pittman. Sergeant Harris is living history and the embodiment of courage, leadership and service. As a paratrooper during World War II, he served under the elite 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first airborne unit of its kind in the U.S. Army (prior to integration).  

During the event, I had the honor of formally recognizing his service both as a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. During my military service in the Air Force, I performed and supported a similar mission as Sergeant Harris; this was an especially unique and moving event for me. This year will mark 80 years since Operation Firefly started the legacy of the group, eventually named the Triple Nickles. Compton Station personnel were in attendance, along with family, friends, neighbors and civic leaders throughout Sergeant Harris’ community.   

Lastly, and most importantly, regarding our well-being, let us do our utmost to guard against those pressures that often go unchecked and can lead to further issues. Unlike any other time in our profession, we are met with a multitude of challenges, which are easily amplified. Let us be mindful of their impact, and let us continue to look out for one another. So please — stay well and be safe. I look forward to sharing PPOA’s progress throughout the second half of 2024. Thank you.