Star & Shield Magazine

New Year Provides Fresh Start for Those on the Department and Those Retiring

Happy new year! Looking back at 2022, I realize all the great things the PPOA Board of Directors accomplished and the many members we assisted when needed. I have worked on unique assignments throughout my 25-year career at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Serving as your president is at the top of the list as the most challenging but overwhelmingly rewarding assignment. My time as the president has been invaluable and has given me a deep dive into the true meaning of the importance of collaboration.
Read More

Congratulations, Sheriff Luna

Saturday, December 3, Robert Luna took the oath of office as the 34th Sheriff of Los Angeles County during a ceremony at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration Board Hearing Room. Sheriff Luna officially assumed his duties on Monday, December 5. I attended the oath of office ceremony, along with PPOA President Nancy Escobedo, First Vice President Jose Rios, Board Director Chris Lee and PPOA Attorney Jim Cunningham. The event was very well attended, especially as it was being held on a Saturday in downtown Los Angeles. Read More

Navigating Challenges New and Old for Custody Assistants

A new era, a new Sheriff. However, what does that mean for Custody Division, our station jailers, our partners in courts and Custody Assistants overall? That is just a portion of the story as recently elected Sheriff Luna learns the nuances of managing the largest jail and de facto mental institution in the nation. There is a learning curve, and PPOA looks to be part of the process, including Custody Assistants, their duties both perceived and actual, and their placement, as well as their present and future utilization. Read More

Changes, Reminders and Updates for Sheriff’s Security Personnel

Greetings, fellow members. We are into the new year and once again witnessing how quickly time flies. I hope everybody had a safe and joyful holiday. Please excuse me for not having an article in the recent November issue — meetings and issues around the County had to be addressed. As we continue into the new year, make sure to look out for each other and prioritize safety. In the past year, we finally dealt with two job fairs for County Services Bureau and completed another for the Community College Bureau. Read More

Informed, Active Membership Is Key as New Year Presents New Challenges

Greetings, fellow members. First off, I would like to thank all the members who voted in the last PPOA election. I appreciate the support and confidence you have in me, to elect me for another term. The silent majority can no longer stay silent. If you want your organization to hear your voices, you must vote. In order to keep your organization moving in the right direction, please stay involved and informed on the issues that affect you. I will always continue to do my best to represent the members’ interests and fight for you individually and collectively. Read More

When Union Members Fight Together, They Win Together

Greetings, fellow members. I hope you all had a merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and vote. I am humbled and honored to have been selected to represent all members of PPOA in Unit 612. It is an honor to serve as your PPOA Board of Directors representative. I look forward to making a difference in our union. Our members are hungry for change. Change doesn’t just happen; we will make it happen. We will fight together and win together because we do the work. This is our Department, and it’s high time we take it back. Read More

The Next Chapter

We now begin the next chapter in “As LASD Turns.” We welcome the new Sheriff and hope for his success. I have received several calls about what is going on, and so far it seems to be a tempered transition. The Sheriff has a huge uphill battle with hiring and staffing, internal strife and COVID management, to say the least. I hope he brings in experts who are not self-serving to ensure the right decisions are made. One thing I would talk about, which has been taboo in the past, is an idea to attack several problems at once: attrition, hiring, injuries, policing, morale and budget. Read More

Me and Jimmy B.

I am Joe Walker. I am a Crime Analyst working at East L.A. Station and was elected by members to fill the PPOA Board seat left by Law Enforcement Technician (LET) Jim Blankenship’s pending retirement. I would never have run against Jim, because he was the best thing that ever happened to the PPOA Board. Jim came on the Department more than 30 years ago and quickly got involved in PPOA negotiations. Read More