Star & Shield Magazine

PPOA Representation Plays a Crucial Role in the Workplace and in Times of Need

As a former sergeant at East Los Angeles Station in 2019, I took it upon myself to become a PPOA delegate. Fed up with the rumors swirling around the Department’s direction, I was eager to get more involved. Through my role as a delegate, I gained direct access to information about changes straight from the source. With over 100 delegates across various work locations throughout the County, it’s crucial to facilitate effective communication between the Board and membership. Quarterly meetings in different venues throughout the County cover multiple topics, including contract negotiations, legislation and lawsuits.
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Coalitions and Common Bonds

Since PPOA’s humble beginnings in 1951, the highest priority among our founding members was an unshakeable commitment to ensuring the protection of employee rights working at the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and Marshal’s Office. To be certain and without exception, PPOA’s No. 1 priority to protect our members has remained unchanged for the past 72 years. Today, PPOA continues to provide exceptional and professional labor services for members of our five recognized/certified bargaining units (B/U) — 612, 614, 621, 631/632 — who proudly serve Los Angeles County at the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Medical Examiner. Read More

Holes to Fill

Vacancies result from retirement, people transitioning to deputy, specialized programs, terminations, hiring freezes, mandates or leaving for another agency. Individually, these have their own place in the staffing timeline. Yet, combined, they are the gaping hole that is our current staffing shortage. With the excessive hours being worked, drafting and, at some units, the frustrating inability to take your RDOs consecutively, at what point does fatigue and your own mental health come into play? Is there a breaking point where performance is affected in an already risk-laden environment? Read More

Retiring? Do Your Research. Moving Out of State? Do Even More.

One of the best benefits we have going as retirees is our health care benefits. They have changed significantly over the years, and the County is even thinking of changing the plan further for new hires moving forward. One thing I am hearing about recently is the different coverages in different states for Blue Cross. I am researching this, but I am being told that the benefits in other states don’t match the ABC California benefits. It gets so confusing when you move out of state, I recommend everyone considering moving from California in retirement to make an appointment with the LACERA benefits people. Read More

Underwhelmed With Oversight

I was making up some hours on a recent Saturday and remembered a flyer that had found its way to my desk. It was a presentation of the L.A. County Civilian Oversight Commission. We used to have something on the Department with a similar name: the Civilian Advisory Committee. I am not sure if it still exists, but I do know I was never invited to join. Funny how that happens to me a lot. Anyway, the topic was: “Local residents are invited to meet with Civilian Oversight Commission leadership to discuss deputy gangs in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Tell us about your experience with sheriff’s deputies and your observations and thoughts on...” Read More