Star & Shield Magazine

Protect Yourselves

As the predicted surge in COVID-19 cases affects the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura, PPOA emphasizes the practice and policies of wearing masks. Since day one of this pandemic, PPOA has engaged with the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office to protect the health and safety of our members. Read More

Ballot-Box Budgeting

In my July 2020 Star & Shield article, I opined, somewhat in jest, that a read-in motion at the conclusion of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 23, which was meant to begin examining the feasibility of closing the Men’s Central Jail, was really about defunding the Sheriff’s Department by “reimagining” public safety. Imagine my chagrin. Read More

Back to Business

Without question, the coronavirus has impacted us as people, as a department and as a society. Thus, as we continue to adjust to our “new normal,” the business of progression is back on the table. I entered into this position with plans and goals, yet throughout my dealings with the Department, the one consistent thing has been inconsistency. However, that seems to also be changing. Read More

The New (Not So) Normal for LASD Security Personnel

Everything is subject to change when you work for the Sheriff’s Department. In fact, it seems that is the nature of the job: adapting to whatever is thrown at you. Just when you think a shift is pretty routine, something will suddenly occur that will test you in ways you never expected. That’s when training and preparation make a world of difference. Read More