NAPOs Special Edition Election 2012 click here

Master Final Vote Description

HOUSE INTRODUCES BYRNE JAG REAUTHORIZATION

At the end of Fiscal Year 2012 the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG) will expire. Congress needs to reauthorize this program. Congressman Tom Marino (R-PA) introduced the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2012 (H.R. 6062) on June 29, 2012. This legislation currently has the support of eight members and was recently marked up in the House Judiciary Committee with favorable remarks by several members.

H.R. 6062 authorizes funding from FY13 through FY17 for a maximum of $8 million per year. This is a decrease from the last reauthorization of $1.095 billion per year. This decree is due to the fact that the bill is more likely to pass with a lower reauthorization. The House majority maintains that bills should have an authorization level that matches current appropriations. In many cases appropriations are much lower than programs that are authorized. Additionally, the program is rarely funded at the billion dollar level. In the past few years it has been around the $350 million mark. The highest in the past few years came in FY06, for $634 million. There are many funding programs that have not been reauthorized and still received funding allocations.

State and local law enforcement benefit greatly from the Byrne JAG, as it is the only comprehensive federal crime-fighting program. About two-thirds of the money allocated goes to local law enforcement. The Byrne JAG program allows for a true system-wide approach that enables communities to target resources to their most pressing local needs. It funds state and local law enforcement, including multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces, information sharing and technology, county jails, prosecutors, drug courts, juvenile delinquency and drug treatment programs. In fact, it is the only source of federal funding for multi-jurisdictional task forces and prosecutors.

NAPO is working to encourage swift passage of the bill in the House and then the Senate. It is possible the legislation could be passed by unanimous consent in the Senate; if there are no objections. NAPO will continue to provide timely updates on this and other pertinent legislation.

NAPO VICTORY: HOUSE PASSES PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS’ BENEFITS ACT OF 2012

On June 28, 2012, the United States House of Representatives passed the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act of 2012, (H.R 4018) by voice vote. NAPO supports this legislation as well as the Senate companion bill (S. 1696) sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
This legislation improves the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to expedite the process of claims for benefits and to ensure that the eligible beneficiaries of public safety officers do not experience unnecessary delays in obtaining what is due to them.
Copyright © NAPO 2012. All rights reserved.

The PSOB Act was designed to offer peace of mind to the men and women of the public safety community and to make a strong statement about the value Americans place on the contributions of those who serve their communities in dangerous circumstances. Public safety officers who have become disabled or who have lost their lives in the line of duty have families who must rely on the benefits promised to them by PSOB.

NAPO supports the PSOB Improvements Act because it protects these important benefits, expedites claims and helps the program with educational and outreach programs within the first responder community.

There is one issue of special note. In 2010, the Attorney General announced new mandatory wear requirements for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program. An officer’s compliance with body wear policies is subject to too many unforeseeable circumstances to justify making the payment of death benefits contingent on compliance with a blanket policy.

Consequently, NAPO advocates that language within the PSOB Improvements Act should reflect the potential impact of a mandatory wear policy. Officers who are harmed in the line of duty should not be penalized by this policy when their PSOB benefits are considered.

NAPO is working with staff in both chambers to lobby for the addition of language that reflects the new mandatory wear policy in the PSOB Improvements legislation. However, not all members of Congress are supportive of this program. Senator Tom Coburn (D-OK) has issued two letters objecting to the PSOB program, “Instead of expanding a program that is not the responsibility of the federal government, we should be working to terminate it.” Based on these and similar remarks, passage of the PSOB program by unanimous consent is unlikely. Rather, with scheduled work days dwindling in the Senate, the program will need to be attached to legislation that is already moving (scheduled for floor time).

The families of public safety officers who have fallen or have become disabled in the line of duty rely on the benefits promised to them by the PSOB. NAPO is working to advance the PSOB Improvements Act of 2012. If you have any questions please contact NAPO’s Director of Government Affairs, Rachel Hedge.

FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICERS PROGRAM RECEIVES INCREASED FUNDING

Imagine flying on a plane without anyone on board to protect you in an emergency situation. By passing the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act in 2002, Congress provided pilots who are United States citizens and who fly passenger aircraft, private charter flights or cargo carriers the opportunity to apply for the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDO) program.

The FFDO program, which is voluntary, allows pilots to receive weeklong training and follow-up on weapons handling. Once a pilot passes this program, he or she is deputized as a Federal Flight Deck Officer. The exact number of pilots who take advantage of this program is classified.
The Federal Flight Deck Officers Association is a member of NAPO. Together, we all have a vested interest in protecting passenger safety.

Currently there is a backlog of over 700 pilots waiting to complete their training. Although there is a strong demand for the FFDO program, earlier this year the Administration proposed to cut the budget in half.

On June 6, 2012, the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to the amendment offered by Representative Chip Cravaack which would increase funding for the Federal Flight Deck Officer program by $10 million to $35.5 million.

According to the Federal Flight Deck Officer Association, the calculated cost is $15 per flight for armed pilots, compared with more than $3,300 for Federal Air Marshals. This is a cost effective program that serves as a last line of defense for airline passengers.
Helping to protect our nation through the enforcement of homeland security is a priority for NAPO. NAPO is committed to promoting the legislative agenda of the Federal Flight Deck Officers Association and will continue to work to increase their ability to protect the airways.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING UPDATE

The Department of Homeland Security announced finalized funding levels for grant programs that are of importance to NAPO’s membership. The FY12 totals are the same as projected earlier this year. This year, DHS needed to make adjustments and prioritize certain grants over others due to the reduction of roughly $1 billion. Recipients of grants are directed to use money for sustaining capabilities. Investments in new capabilities are only for “deployable if needed to support regional and national efforts”.

In addition to fighting domestic crime, law enforcement is assuming more duties in protecting America’s communities against terrorist threats. Law enforcement plays a large role in the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead the national effort to secure America by preventing and deterring terrorist attacks and to protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. Through these grant programs provided by DHS, the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), state and local law enforcement receive federal funds to better carry out this mission.

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) was funded at $490 million, roughly $173 million less than FY11. UASI aims to enhance regional preparedness in 31 high-threat, high-density areas. Of the $490 million, 25 percent goes directly to law enforcement and crime prevention activities. The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), focused on building and supporting preparedness activities, received $294 million; nearly a 50 percent reduction from FY11.
NAPO was also successful in supporting the funding for other grant programs that benefit law enforcement through homeland security. NAPO was the active law enforcement voice for Representative Michael Grimm’s (R-NY) amendment to increase funding for the Urban Search and Rescue Teams Program.

The Urban Search and Rescue Teams Program is half funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the remainder by local police and fire department budgets. By increasing funds for this program to the Senate level of $35.18 million, more money can be spent on officers and their local communities.
NAPO has served as an active voice for key grant programs that benefit law enforcement in their efforts to maintain Homeland Security. Most state and local police departments are the victims of budget reductions, leaving them understaffed and underfunded. The same is true at the federal level; funding for vital law enforcement programs has been significantly reduced. Although funding levels may have been diminished, the responsibilities of law enforcement have not.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT NAPO’S FIGHT FOR PUBLIC PENSIONS

With less than 100 days until November’s Presidential and Congressional elections, now is a good time to reflect on the status of public pensions and how they have been affected since 2010. Going forward NAPO will work to anticipate potential pension strategies and tactics beyond 2012.
Protecting the public pensions of our members is one of NAPO’s top legislative priorities. NAPO works closely with the Public Employee Retirement Community, the National Public Pension Coalition, the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) and the Public Pensions Network.

This July NAPO participated in the third Public Pension Stakeholder Meeting. This group discussed the unprecedented number of proposals that have been advanced by Governors and state legislatures to undermine the retirement security of millions of middle class workers. NAPO contributed to a review of the shortcomings in the pension community. In some cases the exemption of public safety employees is being used by members of the opposition to advance their own agendas. NAPO has also noted the Democrat Party, a traditional supporter of pensions has not given its full and immediate support in this matter.
NAPO and its membership face many challenges in the future. The changing political landscape, national economic trends and public perception all need to be addressed in our efforts to strengthen and better the lives of all law enforcement personnel.

HOUSE ADVANCES BORDER SECURITY LEGISLATION ON FEDERAL LANDS

The House of Representative passed the Conservation and Economic Growth Act, (H.R. 2578), a package of fourteen natural Resource Committee bills. Title 14 of the package included H.R. 1505, the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act. This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to have immediate access to any public lands managed by the Federal Government for purposes of securing borders.

Protection and preservation of national lands is important. However, NAPO believes this should not be sacrificed at the expense of our national security. Border Patrol Agents are unable to access portions of the 20.7 million acres along our Southern borders and 1,000 miles of our Northern borders. H.R. 1505 allows authorization to the Secretary of Homeland Security to have access to any public lands managed by the Federal Government for the purpose of securing the border.

Criminal elements have taken advantage of the United States protection of federal lands. The burden of patrolling our boarders by state and local officers can be relieved by allowing access for our Border Patrol Agents to keep watch over the millions of acres of federal land.
Although there has not been a companion bill introduced, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) successfully submitted a companion amendment during committee consideration of the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2011. While NAPO is interested in the protection of federal lands we are even more committed to strengthening national security.

THE COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING PROGRAM AWARDS FY12 COPS HIRING GRANTS

The COPS Office announced the FY12 COPS Hiring Grant recipients. More than $111 million was awarded to local public safety agencies in 220 cities and counties. The grants will fund over 600 new law enforcement positions and save an additional 200 positions recently lost or in jeopardy of being cut due to local budget cuts.
All new law enforcement positions funded in the COPS FY12 Hiring Program must be filled by recent military veterans who have served at least 180 days since September 11, 2001. Please see the list for the awardees here.
Save the Date!

NAPO’s 25th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar
Sunday, February 17 – Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
NAPO is pleased to announce our first event of 2013: NAPO’s 25th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar to be held at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 17-19, 2013.

We are excited to move in a new direction by partnering with Opal Financial Group. NAPO has been listening carefully to our attendees’ concerns and suggestions and we are happy to offer you a 2013 seminar with a better venue, more relevant topics, timelier agenda and easy online registration for both the conference and hotel. Registration form and information is available here. Be sure to take advantage of “early bird” rates by registering before 12/31/12 and save $100.

By:  Thomas Austin, Executive Secretary

Isn’t it amazing how time flies.  It was only nine short months ago that we were working to reject SB 5 and Issue 2.  Today’s political climate has not improved since last November and the attacks on the public sector worker and the middle class continue.  However, the OPBA’s Endorsement Committee has been hard at work.  The committee consists of Executive Director Jeff Pedicino, Executive Secretary Tom Austin (Twinsburg Police Department) and Trustee Brian Johnston (Geauga County Sheriff’s Office).   The committee, along with Justice Andrew Douglas have designed and implemented a system in which each political candidate requesting the OPBA’s endorsement must answer a series of 14 questions:

1. What office are you seeking?

2. Why do you seek the endorsement of the O.P.B.A.?

3. Do you have an opponent?  If the answer is “yes,” please identify your opponent by name and explain why you would be the better choice.

4. Public safety depends upon the ability of the law enforcement community to combat crime.  To do this effectively, law enforcement personnel must have rights protecting their safety and compensation and benefits that is both reasonable and competitive to sustain themselves and their families.  To these ends, please respond to each of the following questions.

A. Do you and/or will you support a law which provides that the personal information (home address, spouse’s name, children, telephone numbers) of law enforcement officers and associated law enforcement personnel is exempt from the Ohio Public Records law, R.C. 149.43?

B. Do you and/or will you support a law which makes it a crime to knowingly make a false complaint against a police officer?

C. Do you believe that a police officer has the same right of self defense as all other citizens?

D. Do you believe that all law enforcement officers should be afforded minimum due process before being fired or disciplined as a result of a citizen’s complaint?

E. Do you believe that law enforcement personnel should have the right to join a union and collectively bargain to obtain their just rights and goals?

F. Ohio’s Collective Bargaining Law is codified in Chapter 4117 of the Ohio Revised Code.  Recently this law came under attack.  Do you support the Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Law?  If elected, would you oppose any effort to substantially change or repeal the law including the provision that provides for final and binding conciliation for law enforcement officers?

G. In the past, law enforcement officers have given up wage increases in exchange for improved pension benefits.  Will you oppose all but reasonable changes in public employee pension benefits?

H. Do you believe that health care coverage for law enforcement officers should be provided by the officer’s employer so long as the employee pays a reasonable portion of the premium?

5. Do you believe that an employer should provide for full funding for bulletproof vests for law enforcement officers?

6. Are you in favor of or opposed to placing public pensions under the Social Security system?  Will you decline to support any legislation proposing such an effort?”

7. Recently Issue 2 (S.B. 5) was defeated.  If any legislation attacking collective bargaining rights was again proposed, would you publicly express your disapproval of such efforts?

8. Do you support health care coverage for law enforcement retirees?

9. What is your position, in criminal and civil proceedings, on supporting the exclusion of statements made by officers after being advised of their “Garrity Rights”?

10. Recently some persons have proposed a Right to Work law for Ohio.  Are you for or against such a law?  If against, will you publicly state your position?

11. Do you oppose the imposition of the death penalty for those individuals convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer?

12. Do you support the elimination of specific restrictions that currently exist on concealed carry permit holders that could endanger those in law enforcement?

13. Is there anything else you would like to add that would assist us in determining whether you should be endorsed by the O.P.B.A and its membership?

14. Completing this form is a requirement before a personal screening takes place.  If you have met this requirement, are you willing to appear before the Screening Committee of the O.P.B.A.?

As of August 1, 2012, the following have received the endorsement of the OPBA: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown, Justice Terrence O’Donnell and Justice Robert Cupp; Ohio Senator Tom Patton, District 24; and Representative Tom Warren, District 76.

The OPBA is committed to its members and will hold endorsed candidates responsible for how they respond to the OPBA questionnaire and vote on laws associated to their answers.  One case that comes to mind is Ohio State Representative Mike Dovilla, a Republican from the 18^th District.  Former Executive Director Terry Gallagher issued an endorsement on behalf of the OPBA.  This endorsement was based in part on an answer that Representative Dovilla supported the right to collectively bargain.  During the SB5 battle, the OPBA found Representative Dovilla voted with his party line and in favor of SB5.  The OPBA contacted Representative Dovilla and advised if he did not change his position on SB5 when it became Issue 2 his endorsement would be revoked.  Representative Dovilla did not change his vote on Issue 2 and the endorsement was revoked.

Well, guess who is up for re-election now – Representative Dovilla.  Please keep this type of information in mind when you cast your ballot in Representative Dovilla’s district or for others who may have voted against our profession in SB5/Issue 2.

As always, please know that your endorsement committee is here to represent the OPBA’s membership interests at the Ohio State and United States levels of government.  Please continue to monitor OPBA.com for further endorsements.   Finally, as many of you proudly displayed the bumper sticker during SB5/Issue 2 stating “We’ll Remember in November”, please again make sure your voice is heard by voting this November.

Beachwood Police Department
2700 Richmond Road
Beachwood, Ohio 44122 216.464.2343 216.292.1954 Fax
www.beachwoodohio.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Beachwood Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.
INFORMATION ON THE OPEN COMPETITIVE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

FOR THE ENTRY LEVEL POSITION OF POLICE PATROL OFFICER
The Beachwood Police Department will be offering an entrance examination for the position of Full-Time Patrol Officer on October 24, 2012, at the City of Beachwood Community Center, 25225 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio.

The dates and times for Application Distribution and Submittal at the Beachwood Police Department, 2700 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 are as follows:
September 24th – September 28th, 2012 (Mo, Tu, Th, F) 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., (We) 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
September 29th, 2012 (Sat) 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October 1st – October 5th, 2012 (Mo, Tu, Th, F) 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., (We) 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Successful completion of the Police Standardized Physical Agility / Fitness Test offered by Cuyahoga Community College (CCC) is a pre-requisite to turning in an application. Please contact CCC directly to register for this portion of the testing process at 216-987-3033.

The Beachwood Police Department will accept certificates of completion for this test dated October 5th, 2011 or later for those candidates who have already successfully passed this test. Certificates must be presented at time of application submission. No one will be permitted to take the examination without having presented a certificate showing successful completion of this physical agility / fitness test at time of application. All certificates are subject to verification.
Those persons who have properly completed and submitted an accepted application and other required documents will be required to take a written examination on Wednesday October 24th, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Beachwood Community Center, 25225 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio. The passing grade for the written examination is 70%. The written examination is being prepared by Ramsay & Associates.

After the application is completed, it must be signed and notarized prior to its submission, and returned with the following: $20.00 fee (non-refundable) by Certified Check or Money Order made payable to the City of Beachwood (NO CASH, NO PERSONAL CHECKS) copy of valid Ohio Driver’s License and it must be presented for verification of identity at time application is returned copy of high school diploma, transcript from high school which verifies graduation, or G.E.D. certificate copies of college transcripts - only if an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree has been attained copy of certificate showing successful completion of the Police Standardized Physical Agility / Fitness Test offered by Cuyahoga Community College (CCC). This must be submitted at time of application. copies of O.P.O.T.A. training certificates (if applicable)

Qualifications needed to become a Beachwood Police Officer: Be at least 21 years old at time of application and be appointed prior to your 35th birthday Be a U.S. Citizen Have no felony convictions and possess a valid Ohio driver’s license Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate Successfully complete all phases of the testing and selection process Rev. 05.08.12

Entrance exams are controlled by the Beachwood Civil Service Commission. All tests will be advertised in local newspapers. If you have any further questions regarding this test announcement or a career with the Beachwood Police Department, contact one of the department’s recruiters at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 216.464.2343.

NOTICE: In its application, hiring and employment procedures the City of Beachwood intends to comply fully with all applicable local, state and federal requirements pertaining to equal employment opportunity, and does not intend to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age or ancestry. The purpose of the City’s application, examination and hiring process is to elicit job-related information.
A pre-determined number of applicants who successfully pass the written examination will be scheduled for a psychological test and interview. Those applicants who complete the psychological test and interview will be scheduled for interviews with the Civil Service Commission and the chief of police (or his designee). The Civil Service Commission shall then certify a ranked eligibility list of applicants.

The police department shall then schedule a polygraph and/or voice stress analysis examination for a pre-determined number of applicants from the certified eligibility list, as well as conduct a complete background investigation of same. An interview with the Mayor shall follow these activities.
Passage of physical, medical and vision examinations as related to the requirements of the position, and the Police and Firemen’s Disability and Pension Fund, shall be required after a conditional offer of employment is made to the applicant.

The Beachwood Police Department has 44 full-time officers, led by Police Chief Mark Sechrist. The starting salary for an officer hired in 2012 will be approximately $61,400 per year. The base pay for that officer after two years with the department will be at least $74,800. The department does not employ part time patrol officers.

The Police Department has many specialized units including: Traffic Bureau, Detective Bureau, Emergency Service Team (SWAT), Crime Scene Investigative Unit, Bicycle Patrol Officers, and Field Training Officers.

The Beachwood Police Department also offers a benefit program that includes: Paid Health Care Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Longevity Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Uniform Allowance, Retirement Plan, an Optional Deferred Compensation Program, and Introduction Into a Union.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a patrol officer include protecting the lives and property of the residents, businesses, and visitors of Beachwood; enforcing laws and ordinances; patrolling the city and responding to calls for assistance; doing preliminary investigation of incidents; investigating traffic crashes; traffic enforcement; and completing reports and other required paperwork.

American Income Life
Jeff Pedicino, Executive Director
Merrill Lynch, Pat Petsche
Cleveland Area Golden Gloves
Sam Fiorentino & Associates
Ciuni & Panichi
Cleveland Bakers’ Local No 19
Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society
Guardian Protection
Badges Plus
Blue Line Financial Services
Suburban Press
George Argie
Midwest Publishing
Allotta, Farley and Widman
Lineweaver
Friends of Tom Patton
California Casualty
Excelsior
Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association
Independent Insurance Agency
Ron Campbell – Commence Firearms
Outback Steak House
North Coast Awards
Retired Irish Police Society
Dave & Busters
Tom Austin, Executive Secretary

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office continues to mourn the loss of a member of its family. In June, Detective Dan Otto was killed in a single vehicle crash while vacationing with his family in California

Otto, 38, of Columbus, joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 1998. In the early 2000s, he was reassigned to the Detective Division where he handled major crimes. Otto made a name for himself as a detective when he was assigned to investigate the 2002 homicides of Jill Hand and Walter Welch. Hand’s husband was found guilty of both murders. Dave Yost, who was serving as Delaware County Prosecutor at the time, called Detective Otto, “a tireless investigator, with an excellent memory.” Yost referred to Otto as “the glue that put all the pieces together.”

Otto was also actively involved in the homicide investigation of Genoa Township mother Lisa Gross, who was found dead in the bathtub of her home in 2001. Last year, he was able to identify James Henry Evans II as the suspect from a bank robbery in the county, which led to the suspect’s arrest and conviction of multiple bank robberies in the state of Ohio.

Detective Otto was an excellent investigator who never gave up on a case. Sheriff Martin “Dan was that go-to investigator. If you needed something done and wanted it done right – you called Dan. He was an asset to the Detective Division and to the Sheriff’s Office as a whole. It was evident Dan loved his job, but more than that, he loved his son. He was a devoted father and friend to many; he will be missed by all who knew him.”  

A large memorial service was held in Dan’s honor at Genoa Baptist Church in Westerville, Ohio. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the state attended the service and the burial, which was held at Red Bank Cemetery in Genoa Township.