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Posted 12/20/2011
Updated 1/6/2012

Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 19 December 2011

I. This Week in Congress
II. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
III. FOP Thwarts Parole for Cop-Killer... AGAIN
IV. UPDATED: DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
VI. NFOP PAC 2011 Official Pocket Knife Campaign Continues


I. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
The Senate was in recess most of this week, returning briefly for a single vote. The House returned to session for several days this week. As of Friday, both chambers are in recess and will return for the Second Session in January 2012.

Action in the House
The House considered and passed H.R. 1059 as amended by the Senate by voice vote. The bill would make permanent the authority to redact financial disclosure reports filed by judicial officers or employees if such disclosure would reveal personal and sensitive information that might endanger the individual or their family members, on a voice vote. The measure will now go to the President for his signature.

The House considered and passed a motion to request a conference committee be appointed to reconcile H.R. 3630, the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act," as passed by the House with the version passed by the Senate. The motion was agreed to on a 229-193 vote. The measure would extend the existing cut on payroll taxes and the chief dispute is whether the extension should be two months or one year. The conference request was transmitted to the Senate for further action.

The House considered and passed H.R. 3765, legislation very similar to H.R. 3630, which would extend for two months the payroll tax holiday, unemployment compensation, Medicare physician payment, and provide for the consideration of the Keystone XL pipeline. The measure, which was passed by unanimous consent was transmitted to the Senate.

Action in the Senate
The Senate considered and passed H.R. 3765 by unanimous consent. The bill will now be transmitted to the President for his signature.


II. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out http://thomas.loc.gov.

A. Social Security Issues

(1) Support the H.R. 1332, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We currently have one hundred and thirty-one (131) cosponsors on H.R. 1332. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who has limited voting rights on the floor. We are also not including Representative David Wu (D-OR), who resigned his seat earlier this year, or Representative Dean Heller (R-NV), who was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Senator John Ensign (R-NV).

In addition, National Legislative Office staff continue to work with staff in the office of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) on S. 113, the "Public Servant Retirement Protection Act," and with Representative Kevin P. Brady on the House companion measure, H.R. 2797. This legislation would not impact the Government Pension Offset (GPO) but would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and replace it with a more equitable, individualized calculation of Social Security benefits based on an individual’s entire work history.

Currently, there is one (1) cosponsor on the Senate bill and seven (7) cosponsors on the House bill.

(2) Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.

B. Support the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"
This legislation, which would guarantee the right of public safety employees to bargain collectively with their employers over hours, wages and conditions of employment, has not yet been introduced.

C. Support H.R. 1789, the "State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability and Due Process Act"
We currently have six (6) cosponsors on H.R. 1789.

The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced, but we are working with staff in the office of several Senators in an effort to develop a Senate companion bill.

D. Support the H.R. 327, the "Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act" and S. 985, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Retirement Equity Act”
We currently have a total of ten (10) cosponsors on H.R. 327.

We currently have a total of one (1) cosponsor on S. 985.

E. Support the H.R. 324, legislation giving Federal law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. Department of Defense statutory arrest authority
We have eleven (11) cosponsors on H.R. 324.


III. FOP Thwarts Parole for Cop-Killer... AGAIN
Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, said he was very pleased and relieved to learn that the U.S. Parole Commission unanimously denied parole for Veronza L. Bowers, Jr., who killed U.S. Park Ranger Kenneth C. Patrick in August 1973.

"Like the case in Philadelphia against Danny Faulkner's killer, the problem here was the appellate process," Canterbury explained. "The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled that the Commission disregard the 4-0 vote held in June 2005 and instead reconsider the 2-2 vote held in May 2005. But the Commission voted­unanimously­to deny his patrol again."

Bowers was poaching deer with two other men in August 1973 when he was confronted by U.S. Park Ranger Ken Patrick. Bowers shot Patrick with his 9mm handgun, throwing him into a ditch. Bowers fired two more shots into the body. Bowers, a member of the Black Panthers who was developing his own cell of "warriors against fascist America," had repeatedly bragged he was "going to get me one." Far from being a model inmate, he still characterizes himself as a "political prisoner." He was shot and recaptured during an escape attempt and, on one occasion, went so far as to send a threatening letter to Ranger Patrick's widow.

"This case is yet another example of how some of the worst and most violent criminals can game the system in an effort to obtain their release and drain the resources of the criminal justice system," Canterbury said. "This killer denies his crime and calls himself one among many of our nation's 'political prisoners.' The hatred he has for our country and its government led him to commit murder and he should remain behind bars until the end of his life."

The FOP became involved in the case in February 2005, when the organization was contacted by the widow of the murdered Ranger. She had just been alerted that her husband's killer was about to be released, even though she had never been informed of her rights, and that of other interested parties, to submit their views at the parole hearing. The FOP weighed in and his release was suspended following a second hearing so that she and others could submit testimony for consideration by the full Commission.

A second parole hearing for Bowers was held in March 2005, which resulted in a recommendation that this killer be released in June of that same year. The FOP immediately appealed to then-U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales who agreed with us that this decision was contrary to the interest of public safety and, at our request, exercised his authority under 18 USC 4215(c) to direct the Commission to reconsider their decision.

"The use of this authority by a U.S. Attorney General was unprecedented," Canterbury said. "But I believe we were able to make such a compelling case that Veronza Bowers was such an unrepentant, cold-blooded killer that the safety of the public was at genuine risk."

In its reconsideration of the case in June 2005, the Commission voted 4-0 to deny parole to this cop-killer. But attorneys for Bowers again turned to the appellate courts in an effort to thwart justice and the 11th Circuit Court ordered that the Commission set aside the June 2005 vote and reaffirm or reject the May 2005 tie vote.

"One of the problems with the May 2005 vote is that no one could agree what the result should be­did a tie mean that parole was denied or did a tie mean that he should be freed?" Canterbury said. "The exercise of the Attorney General's authority in this matter gave us a much clearer result, so, of course, that is the one the appellate court set aside."

This October, the FOP was notified that the Commission would again consider parole for Veronza Bowers. Our organization submitted a lengthy letter against his parole, as did Patrick's widow and the Federal Bureau of Investigation agent who investigated the case. Under 18 USC 4206(d), the Commission is required to deny parole if it is determined that:

the inmate has seriously violated institution rules and regulations; or

the inmate has frequently violated institution rules and regulations; or

there is a reasonable probability that the inmate, if released, will commit a Federal, State, or local crime.

The FOP argued that Bowers met all three of the criteria. The Commission agreed his escape attempt in 1979 met the first requirement and denied his parole on that basis. The Commission did not find that Bowers was a "frequent" violator of prison rules, but, most importantly, the Commission withheld any finding on the probability of his re-offending if released until such time as they could more thoroughly assess the killer's views on "the culpability in the murder, and [his] attitudes toward the government and its officers."

"This last finding demonstrated that the FOP's contention that Bowers is an ongoing danger to the public has finally gotten through to the Commission," Canterbury said. "There is no doubt that this killer will continue to slip through the system and get paroled, but I am very pleased that it will be much more difficult for him to do so. It is our intention to ensure that he ends his days in a prison cell."

You can view the Commission's letter to National President Canterbury here: http://www.fop.net/publications/archives/letters/2011_1216.pdf


IV. UPDATED: FOP DAY ON THE HILL 2012!!!
The FOP Day on The Hill 2012 will begin on Monday, 27 February 2012. The National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing that day at the District of Columbia Lodge #1 at 711 4th Street, NW at a time to be announced.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 28-29 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

Accommodations for Day on the Hill Participants
The National Legislative Office has arranged for accommodations at the DuPont Circle Hotel at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. The hotel is located just one block from the Metro, making it easy for you to move around Capitol Hill and the city.

The rate is $183 per night. To be guaranteed this special rate, you must identify yourself as part of the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Make your reservations now by calling (202) 483-6000 or through the website above.


V. Do Your Friends Get Grassroots?
Make sure your friends and coworkers know about our weekly updates! The grassroots emails are the most accurate source of information about the FOP on the Hill­ covering information on meetings, bills, and events.

To add your name from our mailing list, please send an email to grassroots@fop.net with ADD and the State in which you live, in the Subject Line.


VI. NFOP PAC 2011 Official Pocket Knife Campaign Continues
Pocket knives are still available and make great stocking stuffers! For information on the knife and how to order, please visit our website at http://www.fop.net/legislative/pac/knife.shtml or contact the Grace Lynch at (202) 547-8189.

Posted 10/17/2011

Many of the politicians working in this building say that we simply have to do more with less. More with less. We keep hearing that, but what they do NOT tell you is what that really means. It means there will be less cops on the street and more crime in your neighborhoods. It means more time to get a fire under control because there will be less firefighters and equipment responding when your home catches fire. It means more crimes will go uninvestigated and less criminals caught and prosecuted. It means your family will be less safe and the officers on the street will be in more danger.

The hiring program administered by the COPS Office has been part of our nation’s crime-fighting strategy for nearly two decades. Community oriented policing, zero tolerance, the broken windows theory, cops on the street. Abandoning these approaches is not a new public safety strategy, this is a public safety disaster. We cannot let this happen to our communities.

Posted: 10/17/2011

10/5/2011

Dear FOP Members and Supporters:

Public employees in the United States are under attack. We are being scapegoated for financial problems we did not create. Of all of the battles being fought to preserve our rights, we all need to turn our attention to what is happening in Ohio right now. The rights of public employees everywhere depend on the outcome of the Ohio Issue 2 referendum on November 8^th to have the public veto the gutting of Ohio ’s collective bargaining law. Politicians are using unsupported rhetoric to strip law enforcement officers of their rights, of their pensions, and of their jobs.

I come to you now, because we need your help. The forces trying to strip us of our rights have major financial backers, and they are outspending us at every turn. They are poised to spend 50 million dollars to take away our bargaining rights. The polls are getting closer. Our opponents have closed the gap by 11 points since June. (http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1322.xml?ReleaseID=1651.) The Ohio FOP needs all of our help if they are going to succeed in protecting our rights. This fight costs money, and that is where we can help. The Ohio FOP needs to raise an additional $150,000 in the next three weeks.

I am issuing a challenge to all of you, your members and your lodges to stand with the FOP of Ohio as it fights to preserve collective bargaining rights for all of us. We aren’t asking you to break the bank. Give what you can afford. Every dollar helps. Give $20, $50, $100 or a $1,000 whatever you, your members, and your lodge can afford and maybe a few dollars more. Sending money today will save your lodges from fighting this fight tomorrow. We all need to give all that we can to win this, not just for Ohio , but for all of us.

If the anti-bargaining politicians have their way, the consequences will have a negative effect for every public employee in the country. If Ohio falls, I guarantee you the rest of our states will fall like dominoes, threatening the safety and livelihood of every one of our members.

The Ohio FOP as part of the We Are Ohio coalition of police officers, teachers, firefighters, other public employees, including members of both political parties is working hard to get the word out and encourage people to Vote No on Issue 2. We MUST make sure that the No on Issue 2 campaign succeeds.

Send a check to the OHIO FOP, 222 E. Town St , Columbus OH 43215 or Go to SavePublicSafety.com to donate today by credit card. Only with your help will we be able to win this fight and make the politicians to treat us with the respect we deserve.

Fraternally,

Chuck Canterbury

National President

Posted 9/13/2011

• The COPS program has been a critical component of the fight against crime for nearly 20 years. During this time, crime rates have dropped to historic lows. Fewer officers on the street means more crime in our communities.
• More officers on the street means not only more jobs, but safer streets, safer schools, and safer neighborhoods for families and local businesses.
• The reduction of the payroll tax means more money in the pockets, not only for FOP members, but all workers–giving our economy the fuel it needs to recover.

Posted 7/21/2011

 Posted  5/3/2011

Posted 5/3/2011

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, welcomed the introduction of H.R. 1332, the “Social Security Fairness Act.” in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“For more than ten years now, the FOP has been pushing for this repeal,” Canterbury said.  “Congress knows this issue well because it’s held six hearings on this issue in last few years.  The repeal of the WEP and GPO should be part of the discussion as Congress grapples with fiscal reform.”
                 
The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Howard L. Berman (D-CA).  The bill, which already has forty-eight (48) cosponsors, would repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in current Social Security law.

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) affects workers who spent some time in jobs not covered by Social Security and also worked other jobs where they paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify for retirement benefits.  The provision has a disproportionate effect on law enforcement officers, who retire earlier than most other public employees and are more likely to begin a second career after they leave law enforcement.  Officers in this position are penalized and may have their Social Security benefit reduced by up to sixty (60%) percent.

“The WEP substantially reduces a benefit that workers had included and counted on when planning their retirement, and it substantially penalizes lower paid public employees with short careers or, like many retired law enforcement officers, those whose careers are evenly split inside and outside the Social Security system,” Canterbury explained.  “This is a loss of benefits to which they are entitled, not an adjustment for a ‘windfall.’”

Like the WEP, the Government Pension Offset was adopted to shore up the finances of the Social Security trust fund.  This “offset” law reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension. 

“Nine out of ten times,” Canterbury said, “this so-called ‘offset’ completely eliminates the spousal benefit even though the covered spouse paid Social Security taxes for many years, thereby earning the right to these benefits.”
                                                     

“The WEP and GPO provisions do not eliminate a windfall for workers, instead they have proved to be a windfall for the Federal government at the expense of public employees.  That’s not right and it’s not fair,” he said.  “Congress should repeal these inequitable provisions and pass the ‘Social Security Fairness Act.’”

 

Posted 4/17/2011
 

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, pledged to continue the fight against legislation that would diminish the rights of law enforcement officers in the State of Ohio.

“This bill was not about saving money or balancing budgets,” Canterbury said.  “This was political payback to public sector unions who have been painted as an enemy of the people and the communities they serve so loyally.  This law is unjust, it is bad policy and it will not stand for long.”

The State Assembly passed S.B. 5 and sent the measure to Governor John R. Kasich (R), who is expected to sign the bill today.  Once signed into law, more than 360,000 public employees�including law enforcement officers�will lose rights they have had for decades.

“Those who would endanger public safety by pandering to a political fad, those who would put our streets and neighborhoods in jeopardy to grab a headline or achieve an ideological goal have betrayed the public trust and there will be consequences for these politicians who have taken us down this reckless path,” Canterbury said.  “The National FOP stands with its brothers and sisters in Ohio and across the United States�this fight is not over.”


 

We know that Mr. Glenn Beck considers himself to be a friend to law enforcement, but he needs to get the facts before he acts�just as a police officer would.

The National Fraternal Order of Police had no role in organizing and is not participating in any of the demonstrations taking place in Madison, Wisconsin.  That said, we strongly and unconditionally support the right of public employees to bargain collectively.  For rank-and-file law enforcement officers, the ability to sit down with the employers and discuss workplace issues�from officer safety to wages and hours�is critical if the officers are going to be able to complete their mission.  We would not deny any public employee the same rights and thus we  sympathize with those who find their rights threatened�especially public employees who do so much for so many at every level of government.  In any State where the rights of public employees are threatened, we are concerned about the rights of the rank-and-file law enforcement officer.

 The Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports the right of the people to assemble peaceably when they do so in accordance with local, State and Federal law.  Law enforcement officers provide security for thousands of demonstrations every year to ensure the safety of the participants and that of the general public.

We provide this security regardless of whether we agree or disagree with the issues that the demonstrators are presenting.

Mr. Beck’s criticism of Mr. Anthony K. “Van” Jones and the American Dream movement may be justified.  We have absolutely no relationship with Van Jones, and the National FOP is not part of any nationwide movement except our own.  We reject any assertion that Van Jones may make regarding systemic police brutality.  His record of inaccuracy speaks for itself.  The FOP represents law enforcement officers; Mr. Jones represents an agenda.

On his radio show today, Mr. Beck stated that the cops have “acted stupidly,” which is an irresponsible statement to make without all of the facts, whether uttered by a radio personality or the President of the United States.

Any suggestion that the FOP is just a union in a league with a vast labor movement is an inaccurate one.  The FOP is not just an organization representing police, we are the police.  When our leadership speaks out on issues, they are conveying the perspective of the rank-and-file law enforcement officer, not a national labor movement, and we know our interests better than any radio host.


 

11/12/2010

 
On 12 November, President Barack H. Obama, II announced the appointment of long time Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) member and Chairman of the FOP Committee on Federal Officers Louis P. Cannon as Representative to the Federal Salary Council.
 
National FOP President Chuck Canterbury congratulated Cannon, stating "Lou Cannon continues to be a valuable asset to the FOP, and I know he will be equally effective as a member of the Federal Salary Council."

The Federal Salary Council is a panel that performs an important role in recommending raises for most federal employees.

The nine-member council meets at least twice a year to determine locality pay, recommend raises for the President to put in his budget, and devise a "salary gap" between federal employees and employees in the private sector doing similar jobs.

Louis Cannon is a longtime veteran of law enforcement and the Fraternal Order of Police. Louis Cannon is the Chief of the D.C. Protective Services Police Department and Deputy Director at the city's Department of Real Estate Services.

With over 328,000 members, the Fraternal Order of Police is the nation's largest law enforcement organization.
 

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, called on Congress to pass H.R. 847, the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,” before adjourning this year.  The bill, which passed the House in September, is pending in the Senate.

“I have spoken directly with Majority Leader Reid within the last month and expect his support for our efforts on this issue,” Canterbury said.  “Those who responded to the attacks on the United States in September 2001 are suffering from the effects of that response�the long-term damage done to their health as a result of their exposure to the deadly mix of toxins released from the collapse of the World Trade Center.  Detective James Zadroga, in whose memory this legislation was named, was the first public safety officer to have his death directly attributed to his work at Ground Zero, and he will not be the last.”

The bill, which would provide sick public safety officers and other responders with medical treatment and compensation for their 9/11 illnesses, passed the House on a bipartisan 268-160 vote.  The Senate must follow suit before the end of this Congress later this year.

“I have urged Senate leadership to take up this bill when the Senate returns to session later this month,” Canterbury said.  “But we need all FOP members to contact their Senators and ask them to support H.R.847.  The Senate needs to understand that this is not just a New York issue; it is a national issue.  The attacks of 9/11 were an attack on the nation, and our nation has a responsibility to assist those heroes who answered the call.”

FOP members can download a sample letter of support to send to their Senators here: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/HR847/HR847sampleletter.doc

You can view the informational materials prepared by the Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), sponsor of the Senate companion bill, here: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/HR847/HR847packet.pdf

View the FOP's letter to Senate leadership here: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/HR847/HR847.pdf

 

10/13/2010

 9/30/2010

Written 9/8/2010

Letter from the Governor regarding Law Enforcement

Posted 6/10/2010

Received 5/26/2010

LEGISLATIVE ALERT:
The FOP-IAFF collective bargaining bill has been offered as an amendment to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act"

Yesterday morning, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV) offered the text of S. 1611/S. 3194, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act," as an amendment to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," which provides additional funding for U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as disaster relief for areas affected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

For the last thirty-six hours, the staff in the National Legislative Office has been involved in intense negotiations with our allies in the Senate in an effort to ensure that the amendment will be considered.  It is very likely that the opponents of the bill will object to its being offered on a spending bill--known as a "Rule 16" objection.  In other words, we expect the amendment to be ruled out of order.

We want to ensure that all of our members are fully informed as this procedural maneuvering plays out, so as not to be taken in by false rumors, like the "carve out" amendment. Senator Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), the Ranking Member on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), has offered seven second degree amendments to the collective bargaining amendment.  The staff in the National Legislative Office has reviewed the language from all amendments, none of which would "carve out" any particular State, office or agency.  If the amendment should be considered, we will oppose each of the second degree amendments.

Again, while we expect the amendment to be challenged under the rules of the Senate, it is an excellent opportunity for FOP members to contact their Senators and ask them to support Senator Reid's amendment, S. Amdt. 4174!!!

FOP members can call their Senators at their Washington offices (or through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121) and urge them to support S. Amdt. 4174!!!


REMEMBER:  the bill does not require binding arbitration, protects existing right-to-work laws, and specifically prohibits strikes and lockouts. The legislation merely requires that States “substantially provide” for the following rights and responsibilities:

� the right to form and join a labor organization;

� the right to bargain over hours, wages, and the terms and conditions of employment; and

� the availability of an “interest impasse resolution mechanism such as fact-finding, mediation, arbitration, or comparable procedures".

Additional talking points to use when making your case:

• In the previous Congress, this legislation, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on a 314-97 vote.
• The House bill won a majority of votes from BOTH party caucuses.
• The Senate bill has strong bipartisan support.
• In the previous Congress, the Senate voted 69-29 in favor of cloture on a motion to proceed to consider the legislation (RCV #126).
• The bottom line for both public safety employers and employees is not profit for shareholders, but to best ensure the safety of the officers, to bring them home safely at the end of their shift and to deliver emergency services in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
• It is irresponsible and offensive to suggest that collective bargaining would impede or jeopardize the ability of law enforcement officers to do their jobs.  Their lives are on the line everyday, agreement or no agreement and to suggest that response to a critical incident would be used as a bargaining chip is reprehensible.

You can get additional information on the bill, and can direct Senate staff to, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Grand Lodge website: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/bargain/hr413s1611faq.pdf


If any of the Senator's staff that you speak with have additional questions about the legislation, tell them to contact Tim Richardson at in the FOP's National Legislative Office at 202-547-8189

CALL NOW AND WATCH YOUR EMAIL AND THE FOP WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ALERTS!!!

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, stated his strong support for law enforcement officers in Arizona, who will soon be charged with enforcing the new State statute to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.

“Our members in Arizona are justifiably offended with some of the assumptions that have been made by the media, pundits, and even elected officials who insinuate or state outright that these professional law enforcement officers will use the new law as a pretext to engage in unlawful racial profiling,” Canterbury said.  “They are angry and rightly so.”

The statute, Arizona Senate Bill 1070, the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, has been criticized by many outside of the State as being too harsh or unfair to persons unlawfully present in the United States and Arizona.  From the perspective of Arizona law enforcement officers, it is extremely offensive to suggest that the law means officers will engage in racial profiling.

“Honest policy differences are both healthy and expected in the public forum, but some critics have really crossed the line,” Canterbury said.  “In their haste to criticize the law, I do not think they have stopped to think that its very insulting to law enforcement officers to hear that they will engage in biased policing, as if these officers do not understand the concept of reasonable suspicion or probable cause.”
                                   
The law, which will go into effect this summer, obligates officers to make an attempt, when practicable, during a lawful stop to determine the individual’s immigration status if there is
a “reasonable suspicion” that the person is in the United States illegally.  The individual may be arrested if there is probable cause to believe that their presence is unlawful.

“Law enforcement officers are trained in the police academy to recognize reasonable suspicion and probable cause,” Canterbury said.  “These officers put their lives on the line for the public�we entrust them to make life and death decisions in a fraction of a second.  You do not have to attack the law by attacking the integrity of these brave men and women.”


Milder critics of the statute argue that officers in Arizona will need additional training to ensure that they do not engage in racial profiling.  The Arizona FOP State Lodge rejects this claim, stating that what is truly needed is additional funding for the 287(g) program, which provides State and local law enforcement with training and the authorization to identify, process, and when appropriate, detain persons they encounter during their regular, daily law-enforcement activity who are illegally present in the United States.

“This is a very unique and detailed training that cannot be taught in a 60 to 90 minute video,” said Bryan Soller, the State Lodge President of the Arizona State Lodge, said of the 287(g) program.  “We need a clear direction on what proper documentation is, how to recognize forged documentation, the proper questioning format, and how to complete the proper ICE forms.”

“One of the genuine concerns that law enforcement does have with this new law is its potential costs,” Canterbury said.  “Whatever these costs are, local governments, which are already on very tight budgets, will bear them.”

“The one thing I do know is that the Arizona law enforcement community will find a way to make SB1070 work,” Soller said.

                                   SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES LEOSA BILL!!!

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, welcomed today’s news that S. 1132, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act Improvements Act,” was favorably reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on a unanimous voice vote.

“I want to first express my deep appreciation to Chairman Leahy for his commitment to this issue,” Canterbury said.  “I know he’s been trying to move the bill for us since late last year, and his persistence paid off today.”

Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is also the sponsor of S. 1132.  He had repeatedly placed the legislation on the Judiciary Committee’s agenda, but the weather, pressing nominations, and the threat of controversial amendments forced him to hold the bill over on several occasions.  The bill had broad bipartisan support with Senator Jefferson B. Sessions III (R-AL), the Committee’s Ranking Member, and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) as lead cosponsors.

“We’re very fortunate to have a champion like Chairman Leahy and strong supporters like Senator Sessions,” Canterbury said.  “Many of our retired officers are facing significant hurdles because some States have failed to implement the law as intended by Congress; this bill will really help them overcome those obstacles.”

The bill would improve certain provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA), especially with respect to retired law enforcement officers, and would make clear that law enforcement officers employed by the Amtrak and Federal Reserve Police Departments, as well as those employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government who are classified as a GS-0083 meet the definition of “qualified law enforcement officer” in current law.  The bill would also lower the aggregate years of service needed to meet the definition of “qualified retired law enforcement officer” from fifteen (15) to ten (10) and removes confusing language related to that same definition.  The bill will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration.



 

Posted 2/24/10

BUDGET AMENDMENT

 Attached is a budget amendment that would allow localities to charge CURRENT employees any portion of the 5% they now pay. This is nothing more than a tax on current employees. In the 80's employees had not seen a raise for several years. Employers decided to pick up the employee portion of VRS in lieu of giving raises. they now want to take that back and make current employees pay the 5%. This will be heard on the House floor tomorrow and it will be our only chance to protect CURRENT employees from this tax increase. We need to do everything we can to kill this amendment

Art Lipscomb
 Legislative Director Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
18 North Eighth St.
Richmond, Va. 23219
Cell 434 941-4086 Fax 804 643-4064