On November 26, 2011, Phoenix Police Department Officer Anthony Daley #9190, was shot and seriously wounded while on-duty. Although Officer Daley was wearing a ballistic vest, a .40 caliber round penetrated the full thickness of the Kevlar material approximately 3/8 of an inch (20mm) above the lower left front panel edge of the vest.

In response to concerns of a potential vest failure, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) arranged for independent testing of a ballistic vest of the same brand, threat level, model number, lot number, and manufacture date as Officer Daley’s vest.

Officer Daley’s vest was identified as follows:

-   Manufacturer: Custom Armor Technologies

- Threat Level: IIIA

- Model Number: QVA-3A-1

- Serial Number: 03005357

-   Lot Numbers: 400010122119 and 1000076399

- Manufacture Date: May 12, 2008

In cooperation with the Phoenix Police Department, PLEA made arrangements with Oregon Ballistic Laboratories to conduct testing on a ballistic vest of the exact brand, threat level, model number, and lot number as the ballistic vest Officer Daley was wearing when he was shot. Upon hearing the circumstances and because of their concern for the safety of officers, Oregon Ballistic Laboratories agreed to conduct the test at no cost.

On February 16, 2012 Oregon Ballistic Laboratories conducted a test on the supplied ballistic vest using standard National Institute of Justice, NIJ, protocol with the following results:

-   Using a 44 magnum, the NIJ standard for a level IIIA vest, at a distance of 16.5 feet, there was one complete penetration and the projectile was not recovered

-       In addition, there were two other .40 caliber rounds that failed the Back Face Deformation, BFD test maximum of 44mm. One was at 46.31mm and the other at 51.19mm. This relates to blunt force trauma injuries as a result of being shot where the round did not penetrate the vest.

According to a press release on Friday, DPS had stated at least 56 officers within the agency have body armor manufactured by Custom Armor Technologies.  AHPA is encouraging every officer to examine his or her body armor to determine if it is manufactured by Custom Armor Technologies.

We will be closely monitoring the situation and working with those members affected to replace their vest as quickly as possible.

Jimmy Chavez's Testimonial Regarding Personnel Reform 02.16.2012

HB2571 was heard in the House Employment and Regulatory Affairs committee Thursday night.  During my testimony opposing the bill, I emphasized to the committee members that the current Law Enforcement Merit System Council (LEMSC) is no broken and splitting up the employees of DPS creates issues that are in no way addressed in the bill.  I also pointed out to the committee that even the proposed Law Enforcement Personnel Board (designed to replace the LEMSC) is full of problems for the sworn employees who remain “covered.”  This new board will have very limited powers with regards to disciplinary reviews.

The examples highlighting “problems” with the current personnel system, provided by the bill sponsor, Rep. Olson in his opening remarks, contained no issues within DPS and/or the LEMSC.    Both Patty Simpson and Mike Sloneker also provided compelling testimony on behalf of DPS employees.

It was clear, based on remarks by many committee members who explained their vote, that our points were heard and resonated.  Rep. Farnsworth approached me after the hearing wanting to meet with me to address our issues.  Our message is being heard.

As expected, the bill passed out of committee along party lines; 6 yes votes to 3 no votes.

Our work is not over.  Kelsey Lundy and I will be meeting with House members throughout the next week to further our message.  Additionally, Dale Norris is working with us to craft an amendment that will keep the current system for DPS employees in place.

In the meantime, the efforts of AHPA will continue to need involvement from everyone.  Continue to reach out to your respective legislators and let them know that the Law Enforcement Merit System Council should remain in place for ALL DPS employees.

Jimmy Chavez

President Chavez’s Testimonial Regarding Personnel Reform

A striker amendment to HB 2571 was introduced in efforts to reform due process within the various personnel systems within the state, including the Law Enforcement Merit System Council (LEMCS).  The proposed language would remove DPS civilian employees from LEMCS and put them into the newly modified state personnel system.  AHPA and its members are opposed to these proposals.   We are encouraging our members to become active in our campaign – “We are DPS”.

AHPA’s Position Statement on Personnel Reform

It is the position of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association that law enforcement should not be generalized with all professions.  We have expressed our opposition to the Governor’s office and members of the legislature.  It is our hope that civilians and sworn personnel can stay under the current system, specific to DPS police services.

BACKGROUND: Governor Brewer’s Agenda – Personnel Reform

During the 2012 State of the Union address, Governor Brewer touched on her reform agenda entitled “The Four Cornerstones of Reform: Centennial Edition”.  Essentially, the Governor would like all state employees to be treated the same, including one or fewer merit system councils.

Read the eblasthere sent out to members regarding the AHPA meeting (2/15/12) with Scott Smith (ADOA/Governor’s Office) and Director Halliday.

“We are DPS” Education Campaign

AHPA is engaging in a campaign in efforts to educate the legislature and the public about DPS services.  Few members of the legislature have taken advantage of agency tours.  So, AHPA is taking DPS to our delegates.  “We are DPS” will highlight units from our department while profiling some impactful civilian employees and their duties.  AHPA will be presenting videos and testimonials to the legislature.

But, WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Engage in this campaign with us by:

1. Contact your elected official. (Please be sure to contact legislators off duty and not by your work email.)

CLICK HERE FOR A SUGGESTION LETTER FOR CIVILIANS TO SEND

CLICK HERE FOR A SUGGESTION LETTER FOR OFFICERS, FAMILY, FRIENDS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SEND

2. Sending an email to the Employment and Regulatory Affairs Committee.  The committee will be hearing the bill on Thursday, February 16th. (Please be sure to contact legislators off duty and not by your work email.)

Copy and paste these emails: Eddie Farnsworth: efarnsworth@azleg.gov , John Fillmore: jfillmore@azleg.gov , Sally Ann Gonzales: sgonzales@azleg.gov , John Kavanagh: jkavanagh@azleg.gov, Justin Olson: jolson@azleg.gov, Lynn Pancrazi: lpancrazi@azleg.gov, Daniel Patterson: dpatterson@azleg.gov, Bob Robson: brobson@azleg.gov, Kim Yee: kyee@azleg.gov

3.  Share the campaign with friends and family.  Encourage them to write in to their elected officials opposing the Merit System Council change.  Send links of our media coverage.

4.  Use the campaign in your social media applications and talk about it!  Help educate the public on DPS’ services!  TWITTER: #WEAREDPS.  Download the box and horizontal “We are DPS” signs below:

AHPA urges you to consider these talking points when contacting legislators:

1. Law enforcement is a diverse, specialized field and should not be generalized with other state departments.
2. Civilians are a cost-saving resource for law enforcement and are asked to perform some of the same duties as our sworn officers.
3. DPS civilians have promised their integrity to Arizona citizens.  They pass the same criminal background checks, polygraphs and drug testing as officers before being hired. Few qualify.
4. Civilian are subject to the same legal liabilities as those in the sworn ranks.  They have been individually named in lawsuits and ordered to testify on behalf of the state for actions taken while on duty.
5. Governor Brewer is seeking legal opinions regarding the liabilities state employees face when dealing with medicinal marijuana.  Law enforcement will play an important role with its enforcement.  DPS support staff could interact with suspects or possibly collect, analyze and report evidence related to medicinal marijuana.  The actions of a DPS civilian or a sworn officer are accountable to the same laws, and could face the same legal ramifications (subject in investigations or lawsuits).  How would two merit system councils evaluate civilian employees and sworn officers the same, or save the state money?  [References can be found in media interviews related to the lawsuit filed by Arizona related to the new medical marijuana bills]
6. State government should protect the integrity of police services.  ONE merit system council provides ONE standard of service in a specialized industry.  The public should always trust police work.
   
7. Be sure to use the logo and tagline: Together- We are DPS

CENTENNIAL BADGE

1912 – 2012 ARIZONA CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th and last of the contiguous states to enter the Union of the United States of America.  During 2012, we celebrate our states 100th Anniversary.

The Arizona Highway Patrol Association and the Fraternal Order of Police have teamed up together with V.H. Blackinton & Co., Inc.  to bring all DPS employees and retirees an opportunity to purchase a limited edition commemorative badge.  All profits will be donated to the DPS Museum.  Order forms are available on the DPS intranet or from representatives from the AHPA, FOP and the DPS Retiree’s Coalition.

BADGES ARE APPROVED FOR UNIFORM WEAR DURING THE CENTENNIAL

Question? Contact Pat Eagan via email: peagan@azdps.gov

Click below for the AHPA order form:

AHPA Centennial Badge Order Form PDF

AHPA Centennial Badge Order Form WORD DOC

Click below for the retiree’s order form:

RETIREES Centennial Badge Order Form PDF

RETIREES Centennial Badge Order Form WORD DOC

Personnel reform bill impacts police employees & services

Law enforcement civilians want same standards as sworn officers

Arizona – Per Governor Brewer, the legislature will be hearing a striker amendment to House Bill 2571 on Thursday in efforts to reform due process for state employees.  The members of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) oppose the language in the bill that removes civilian Department of Public Safety (DPS) from their current Law Enforcement Merit System Council.

“We have some of the best civilian police employees,” states Jimmy Chavez, President of the AHPA.  “They want to be held to the same standards as a sworn officer.  I believe that is a testament to the integrity and dedication of these public servants.”

Over the years, increased law enforcement related duties have been mandated to DPS and some of those responsibilities have been passed on to DPS’ exemplary, cost-effective support staff.  About half of the agency is comprised of civilian employees, who passed the same rigorous background checks and standards as sworn officers. Each specialized employee contributes a significant job to a unit within DPS’ multi-faceted department.  “From the DNA analyst that provides crucial evidence about a missing child to the investigator that tracks a sex offender, civilians are vital roles in DPS’ elite police network,” says Chavez.  “They pass rigorous background checks, are entrusted with sensitive information and help protect the public.  Sworn officers and civilians, together, provide citizens essential law enforcement services.”

It is AHPA’s position that the current law enforcement merit system council for DPS employees provides one standard of service within a specialized industry.  “Honor is measurable in law enforcement and it is demanded by everyone in the justice system and our industry,” adds Chavez.  “DPS employees (sworn and civilian) present the same liabilities and should be accountable equally.  Our state must protect the integrity of police work.  We want the public to always trust in our services.”

AHPA is asking the Governor and legislature to not generalize the law enforcement profession with other state agencies.  The association is attempting to educate delegates about some of the services DPS provides through committee hearings, emails and videos.  AHPA members hope their campaign profiles some of the civilian police services the public does not see.

Four bills were introduced specifically targeting all public employees and their representation.  SB 1484 (http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=1484&Session_Id=107), 1485 (http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=1485&Session_Id=107), 1486 (http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=1486&Session_Id=107) and 1487 (http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=1487&Session_Id=107) are broad anti-union bills, generalizing that the law enforcement profession is comparable to the private sector.  These bills do not recognize that police services require specialized needs.  They impede your current rights and benefits, along with your constitutional privileges to freedom of speech, representation and association.

Have no doubt, these bills are the agenda of many elected Republicans and the Goldwater Institute in efforts to cripple unions. Unfortunately, police associations, like the Arizona Highway Patrol Association, are grouped into blanketed attacks on public employees. However, we provide an essential service to DPS employees. AHPA’s primary function is to provide legal coverage to law enforcement officials.  Because regularly we handle sensitive information and use lethal/less lethal force, we are subjects of administrative and criminal investigations. Our organization provides members that legal assistance. When almost 100% of the department are in a police union, obviously there is a tremendous need for associations (like AHPA) to help employees do their jobs and protect the public.

Please consider sending these letters (below) or calling your legislator with these suggested talking points.  Encourage your friends and family to assist us in preventing these anti-police senate bills from passing. You can forward on letters (below) to ask them for assistance.  Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.  Have your voice heard!

AHPA encourages you to contact elected officials off-duty and from personal phones and email addresses.

READ CURRENT NEWS RELATED TO THE ATTACK ON ALL PUBLIC EMPLOYEES HERE

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COPY AND PASTE THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES WHEN SENDING A LETTER TO SENATORS or DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF SENATE MEMBERS TO CONTACT:

paboud@azleg.gov, sallen@azleg.gov , fantenori@azleg.gov , nbarto@azleg.gov, abiggs@azleg.gov, jburges@azleg.gov, ocajerobedford@azleg.gov, rcrandall@azleg.gov, adriggs@azleg.gov, sgallardo@azleg.gov, rgould@azleg.gov, lgray@azleg.gov, ggriffin@azleg.gov, jjackson@azleg.gov, lklein@azleg.gov, llandrum@azleg.gov, jlewis@azleg.gov, llopez@azleg.gov, dlujan@azleg.gov, jmccomish@azleg.gov, amelvin@azleg.gov, rmeza@azleg.gov, rmurphy@azleg.gov, jnelson@azleg.gov, spierce@azleg.gov, mreagan@azleg.gov, dschapira@azleg.gov, dshooter@azleg.gov, stevesmith@azleg.gov, syarbrough@azleg.gov

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CURRENT DPS EMPLOYEES:

CLICK HERE WORD DOC: Suggestion letter for current employees – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486, 1487

CLICK HERE PDF: Suggestion letter for current employees – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486, 1487

RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

CLICK HERE WORD DOC: Suggestion letter for retired employees – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

CLICK HERE PDF: Suggestion letter for retired employees – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

FAMILY MEMBERS:

CLICK HERE WORD DOC: Suggestion letter for family members of DPS employees to legislature – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

CLICK HERE PDF: Suggestion letter for family members of DPS employees to legislature – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

GENERAL PUBLIC:

CLICK HERE WORD DOC: Suggestion letter for the GENERAL PUBLIC – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

CLICK HERE PDF: Suggestion letter for the GENERAL PUBLIC – Vote No on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 & 1487

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SUGGESTION FOR LETTER (FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES) TO SEND TO LEGISLATORS:

(Insert DATE)

Dear (Senator/Representative) ____________________,

I am a dedicated employee of the Department of Public Safety.  I have served the public for ___ (# of years) as a ____________ (job title[s]).  My job has required me to _________ (description of duties).  Law enforcement is a specialized profession that few qualify and are entrusted to perform. Therefore, I strongly oppose Senate bills 1484, 1485, 1486, and 1487.  The generalized bills do not address the specific needs for those who provide police services.

Police work is an industry unlike anything in the private sector.  Employees are asked to respond 24/7, often running into tragedy as others are fleeing from it.  Because we handle sensitive information, testify in judicial matters and use lethal/less lethal force, my colleagues and I regularly are subjects of administrative and criminal investigations.  Police associations, like the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA), provide an essential service to all Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees. AHPA’s primary function is to provide legal coverage to law enforcement officials.  It is assistance that the state cannot provide in order to safeguard our families. DPS personnel should be equipped with the resources they need to help them to do their jobs. When almost 100% of DPS employees are in a police union, there is obviously a tremendous need for associations (like AHPA) to help us do their jobs and protect the public.

When Arizona and the nation are seeing record numbers of police deaths and assaults, I would like to see more investments into increased police resources, hiring and maintaining more officers, and added protection to their livelihood. Broadly attacking public safety employees is unproductive. Legislators should be protecting law enforcement, not working against them.

You will not see me striking, because it is against the law.  I would never protest, because my job is essential to citizens 24/7.  I will not be testifying in a legislative hearing, because my freedom of speech right is very limited.  But, take this as a letter from a citizen, pleading to you that police employees should not have their rights limited further.  Please also consider me as a law enforcement resource.  Contact myself or AHPA before making broad decisions about an industry most people know little about.

As a taxpayer and constituent, I urge you to vote no on Senate bills 1484, 1485, 1486 and 1487.  Public safety is specialized industry that should not be generalized with other professions.  I encourage you to keep the in integrity of police work by allowing law enforcement the resources they need.

Sincerely,

NAME

ADDRESS

EMAIL

PHONE NUMBER

Cancer is a disease that has touched many lives, especially those in the law enforcement community.  From radar guns to Arizona’s scorching sun, police officers are faced with hazardous duty and the continued likelihood of encountering cancer.  The Arizona Police Association (APA) and the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) worked hard in helping pass legislation that added law enforcement officers to the cancer insurance benefits for those in PSPRS.  The PSPRS Cancer Insurance Program pays out-of-pocket expenses related to cancer treatment, whether you are still working or retired.

Eligibility: All Covered Persons who are active or retired members of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (“System”) and serve (or have served) as fire fighters or peace officers and are/were regularly assigned to hazardous duty of the type normally expected of fire fighters or peace officer and who, prior to their membership in the System, have not been medically treated for or diagnosed as having a cancer prior to entering into this program, are eligible for reimbursement of the Covered Expenses referenced in this program, subject to the limitations, exclusions and restrictions otherwise stated in said Program.

According to the American Cancer Society, 37% of 2011 cancer related deaths could have been avoided.  Don’t be a statistic.  AHPA encourages you to see your doctor regularly.  Support groups are also available for you and your family through hospitals and other community outlets.

To find out more about this benefit, please go to www.psprs.com or call 602-255-5575.  Your PSPRS representatives are:

Annette Jorgensen- x2024, annette@psprs.com

Stacey Alcott- x2013, stacey.alcott@psprs.com

Graphic credit: American Cancer Society

Dear Kyrsten,

As an elected official who has always had an open door policy for the frontline police officers and civilians that serve the public, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association understands the importance of that longstanding relationship.  When our nation is losing police officers at record rates, law enforcement needs to speak one-on-one with our elected officials.  Some Arizona politicians (state and congressional) voted against funding for law enforcement, including investing for more police officers, equipment and benefits.  However, over the years, you have kept your promises to our membership.  You have always supported DPS employees and helped provide adequate tools to accomplish our duties.

Congressional District Nine needs a policymaker, like you, to protect public safety.  As someone who understands law enforcement is government’s core responsibility, we have witnessed your strong support for our mission over the years.

The Arizona Highway Patrol Association is proud to endorse Kyrsten Sinema for U.S. Congress in the Democratic Primary for Congressional District 9.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Chavez, President

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For more information on Kyrsten, go to her website: http://www.kyrstensinema.com/

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

by E.J. Montini, Arizona Republic Columnist

(Column for Jan. 13, 2012 Arizona Republic)

Maricopa County Deputy Sheriff William Coleman was an exceptional man.

But he was not the exception.

At his funeral today there will be hundreds of men and women in uniform who would do (and perhaps have done) exactly what Deputy Coleman was asked to do on the night he was killed.

They sign up – all of them – to respond to calls like a burglar alarm going off, as deputies received last weekend from a medical facility near Anthem.

They go to such places and, if necessary, confront suspicious individuals, as did Coleman and other deputies.

If such an individual becomes violent they stop him, sometimes sacrificing their own lives.

As Deputy Coleman did.

The officers who fill the North Phoenix Baptist Church at Coleman’s funeral today are willing to do what he did.

Imagine that. When you watch news coverage of the funeral on television, or look at photographs of the service on the Internet or in tomorrow’s newspaper, marvel at how many of these men and women there are.

The procession of motorcycles and cars they drive will go on and on and on.

Their uniforms will come in shades of blue and beige and brown. Their badges will bear the names of big cities and small towns. Some of their hats will have broad brims. Others won’t. Some will wear boots. Others won’t.

They’ll be joined by firefighters and paramedics and other first responders.

Each of them is exceptional.

None of them is the exception.

Last year, after the death of another exceptional man, Glendale police Officer Bradley Jones, I spoke with Brian Livingston, executive director of the Arizona Police Association.

Jones and others who represent first responders had been through a bruising series of hearing at the State Capitol in which Arizona lawmakers essentially said that our police and firefighters were ripping off taxpayers by way of their pension benefits and union activities.

These same politicians were at Bradley’s funeral. Some of them will no doubt be at Coleman’s service.

“We had the big pension fight at the Capitol, and I raised this issue (of hypocrisy) and was chastised by lawmakers,” Livingston told me last year. “They told me they really do care. But now the reality is here. We see people who have been injured and will not get their cost-of-living increases, and it will put these families under stress. They say that they want the best and the brightest in this profession. And they get them in people like Officer Jones. Will that continue to happen if you keep going after their pensions and make them out as greedy?”

At those legislative hearings, and through similar attacks for other politicians and special interests, critics have singled out a handful of bloated double-dippers as examples of a broken system.

They don’t represent the vast majority of the men and woman who hit the streets every day and every night.

Tim Hill of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona told me, “Many of the people who have pensions in the private sector get health insurance, where we have many members who are having to choose between health insurance, which could use up most of a pension, or paying their bills. Folks aren’t aware that many of our members aren’t Medicare eligible or Social Security eligible. There was a guy who testified last year, a disabled highway patrol officer. He was in that position, choosing between health insurance and taking care of his kids.”

This isn’t something to argue about at a law enforcement officer’s funeral. But neither should it be forgotten after the officer is buried and we go on with our lives.

It should come up each time politicians try to make it more difficult for first responders, for the men and women who will fill the church today, lead the funeral procession, then hit the streets again tonight.

The William Coleman Memorial Fund has been established at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union For those wishing to contribute, the account number is 6000123586.

Coleman was a loving husband and father. A good friend. A brave and unflinching deputy. At his service today he will be mourned and praised and honored by hundreds of fellow law enforcement officers. Exceptional people.

Just like him.

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On January 8, 2012 at at approximately 4:15 am, Maricopa County Deputy Sheriff William Coleman was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a burglary call in Anthem.

Deputy Coleman had served with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and is survived by his wife and several children.

MPA will try to update the site with fundraisers on behalf of our lost hero.  More information can also be found at the Arizona Police Association’s website.

Wednesday, January 11th

Deputies Law Enforcement Association will have a benefit cookout for Deputy Coleman at the PLEA Garage Grill. Lunch will be served from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm and dinner will be served from 5:00 PM until 8:00 pm. All are invited to support this event, with all the proceeds going to Deputy Coleman’s family.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TIME: 8:00a.m – 2:00p.m.

LOCATION: Danny’s Car Wash

315 W. Bell Road, Peoria, AZ

All proceeds will go directly to the family of Bill Coleman. Bring your squad cars or personal cars and spread the news! This event is being sponsored by: MCSO ADVISORY POSSE MEMORIAL FUND. The MCSO Advisory Posse Memorial Fund is a non-political association that raises funds for Arizona Sworn Law Enforcement,helping Arizona Sworn and their families!

Read more and see pictures from the 2011 visits HERE