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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Police Officers
VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4 • FALL 2005
The Police Officers Journal
POLC Annual
Conference
Reflects a World of Change
VOLUME. 15, NUMBER 4 • FALL 2005
By Richard R. Weiler
Director
Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP©)
Send Address Changes to:
667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205,
Troy, MI 48083.
(248) 524-3200 ñ FAX: 248 524-2752
www//leepusa.com
S.O.S. Program: (800) 451-1220
www//polc.org
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR: Greg Huggett
Battle Creek Police Dept.
David J. VanHouten
Grand Rapids Communications
Paul C. Combs
Berkley Public Safety Dept.
John Corrigan Jr.
Muskegon Police Dept.
Richard Hetherington
Flint Police Dept.
Brett D. McGrew
Berrien County Sheriffs Dept.
Brian P. Miller
Lincoln Park Police Dept.
Richard Prince
Grand Rapids Police Dept.
Thomas Wilk
T
he 2005 Annual Meeting and Seminar at the Grand Traverse Resort, was
notable in so many respects this year, I hardly know where to begin. I am
heartened about our progress in the coming year by the responses we’ve
received thus far from conference attendees.
One of the first changes you’re going to notice is what you’re holding in your
hands right now – the new look of our Police Officer Journal. It is the result of a
six-month effort to upgrade and improve the format and content of this publication to better reflect on our member units and their members.
Another major change took place in Traverse City. At the business meeting on the
last day our first order of business was to present, for the first time ever, five
outstanding and deserving college-bound students interested in Public Safety
careers with $1,000 scholarships from the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP).
That story is reported fully elsewhere in this edition. I just want to note here that
these students were selected from more than 100 applicants state-wide.
The LEEP 501(c)3 charitable programs that make these scholarships possible
come from private donations, and it is a separate entity from the Labor Council.
But It too, is the result of some hard work and a long effort that has finally borne
fruit by POLC members who wanted it done.
At the business meeting, Executive Committee Members Richard Prince, Grand
Rapids PD; Thomas Wilk, Macomb Community College PS; Brian P. Miller, Lincoln
Park PD; Richard Hetherington, Flint PD; and Gregg Huggett, Battle Creek PD, were
all re-elected to another two-year term on the Labor Council’s Executive Committee.
Following the annual meeting, pursuant to our by-laws, the Executive Committee
also met and determined who our Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson will be. The
Executive Committee chose Greg Huggett, Battle Creek PD as the Chairperson
and David VanHouten, Grand Rapids Communications, as its Vice-Chairperson.
Macomb County Community College
DIRECTOR, Richard Weiler
Detroit PD (Retired)
PUBLICATIONS
Danny Bartley ñ John Viviano
Postmaster: Please send returns and all other communications
to the Law Enforcement Education Program Business Office:
667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205, Troy, MI 48083.
Published by The Dale Corp., (248) 542-2400
Executive Editor, Dale Z. Jablonski
Production staff: Diané E. Bertoli, A.J. Malta
2 • Fall 2005
Continued on page  à Returning to the POLC executive board are, from left, Greg Huggett of Battle Creek,
Rick Hetherington of Flint, Brian Miller of Lincoln Park, Tom Wilk of Macomb County
Community College PS and Richard Prince of Grand Rapids.
The Police Officers Journal
Ö The first class of LEEP Dream Scholarship winners
were seated right up front, some accompanied by
proud family members, as guests at the Traverse City
meeting to receive some well-deserved recognition.
All are aiming at careers in Public Safety.
Five
T
LEEP Scholars Thrilled to be First
©
he five 2005 Michigan high school graduates who received
individual $1,000 college grants at the POLC Conference,
Sept. 3 in Traverse City were well aware of their trailblazer status and more than thrilled to get the Law Enforcement Education Program’s helping hand with their career choices. LEEP is
the non-profit arm of the POLC.
Named as the first winners of what will be the annual LEEP
Dream Scholarship program, were:
Mitchell L. Blount
of Memphis, a graduate of Memphis High School
Jennifer L. Demarest
of Battle Creek, from Lakeview High School
Gregory D. Harland
of Riverview, from Riverview Community High School
Ryan D. Preston
of White Pigeon, from Constantine High School
William S. Smith
of Tecumseh, from Britton-Macon High School
“Law enforcement officers are used to making split-second
decisions,” said Richard R. Weiler, LEEP’s Director, “but this
year’s crop of high school graduates – particularly those seeking careers in this profession, stirred some very deep, and
lengthy deliberations by the LEEP Selection Committee. These
were some very tough decisions.”
Weiler introduced the students at the POLC business meeting
on Saturday and made their presentations official. He noted that
the scholarship grants, funded from private LEEP donations (not
POLC member dues), will be an annual event.
Weiler described the five LEEP scholars as having a blend of
maturity and realistic idealism. They were among nearly 100
applicants who sought LEEP grants to pursue law enforcement/public safety careers.
The LEEP Scholarship winners all demonstrated a deep commitment to public safety service through school and volunteer
activities long before they ever reached their senior year, Weiler
said. “Most of the officers on the selection committee were impressed
by the maturity and ‘street smarts’ the students displayed in
their personal statements which accompanied the scholarship
application,” he added.
The winning applicants provided these details about their
career plans:
Mitchell L. Blount of Memphis said he was following the
example of several older family members in seeking a law enforcement career. He is enrolled at St. Clair County Community College
in Port Huron. An active Eagle Scout, Blount was a senior class
officer and a member of the National Honor Society, captain of
the Memphis High School wrestling team and also played varsity
soccer and baseball while maintaining top grades.
Jennifer L. Demarest of Battle Creek is already completing
a second year in the advanced Law Enforcement Program of the
Calhoun Area Technology Center. She was one of 19 students
from area high schools to be accepted into a second year for
the center’s classes at Kellogg Community College during her
senior year at Lakeview High School. She is seeking a four-year
degree in law enforcement at Ferris State University. She has
assisted in the Food Bank program, the area soup kitchen, and
also served as a volunteer at the Binder Park Zoo.
Gregory D. Harland of Riverview will pursue a combined
Criminology, Criminal Justice degree at Eastern Michigan University. He has served as a volunteer at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen
in Detroit, and also at the Grosse Ile Animal Shelter. Harland
won an All-Conference award in the Huron League as a scholarathlete, and MVP as captain of Riverview Community High School’s
wrestling team, which advanced to the state finals.
Ryan D. Preston of White Pigeon, says he grew up with four
police officers in his family and could not imagine any other
career choice. He will attend Law Enforcement program classes
at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. An honors graduate at
Constantine High School, he was captain and All-State Linebacker
of the State Champion football team and a member of the League
champion track squad. He helped raise funds for 9/11 victims,
and was a volunteer to register Kindergarten Roundup students
and for community clean-up campaigns.
William S. Smith of Tecumseh hopes to be a full-time firefighter.
He will enroll at Jackson Community College and take additional
firefighting training. A willing worker, according to his teachers at
Britton-Macon High School, he has done community volunteer work
with his local church, and with the Care and Share program doing
home chores for the elderly. He also attended building trades vocational training classes at Lenawee Vo-Tech Center in Adrian. d
www.polc.org
• The Police Officers Journal
POLC’s Law Officers
Deploy To Louisiana
To Help Emergency Hurricane Relief Efforts
N
early 100 state, county and local law enforcement officers representing 22 different agencies – including
11 POLC-represented departments – were deployed to
Louisiana as part of a joint effort to provide law enforcement
assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It marked the
first time in police history that officers were deployed to another state to provide assistance, according to Michigan State
Police sources.
A convoy of 92 officers left the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing early Sept. 5 for a minimum 14-day
deployment. They went first to Baton Rouge, La. and met with
MSP command officers who had left Michigan a day earlier.
Each Michigan officer helped Louisiana State troopers to patrol
some of the hardest hit parts of Louisiana. Officers entered the
areas in teams, searching building to building for survivors and
helped recover bodies. The Michigan contingent included a six-member Emergency
Support Team with full equipment, a mobile command vehicle with
communications capability and a National Guard transport vehicle
with enough supplies to sustain the officers for four days, a tactical
medical unit from Life EMS Medic of Grand Rapids and a gasoline
tanker from Mooney Oil Company of Flint.
Prior to deployment, the officers met at the Training Academy
where they received necessary immunizations and briefing materials.
Eleven of the departments which sent officers are POLC-represented units, including: Barry County Sheriff’s Department,
Berkley PD, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department, Cheboygan
County Sheriff’s Department, Grand Rapids PD, Jackson County
Sheriff’s Department, Jackson PD, Mackinaw City PD, Meridian
Township PD, Southgate PD, and West Bloomfield Township PD.
Participating officers, who were prepared to sleep outdoors,
eat MRE’s and potentially forego showering for up to 14 days said
they were pleasantly surprised to find the Louisiana State Police
(LSP) had made arrangements for them to stay in a recreation
center adjacent to the LSP Headquarters, allowing the officers to
unload their gear, take showers, get vehicles repaired, eat and rest.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 92 Michigan law enforcement officers
were sworn in as Special Officers of the LSP and given full police
authority throughout Louisiana. The officers were paired up with
LSP troopers, for door to door search and rescue missions in
New Orleans. Law enforcement resources from Michigan were requested by the
State of Louisiana through the Emergency Management Assistance
Compact (EMAC) on Sept. 3. Many departments statewide have
offered their services if needed for future deployments, as well.
Other departments participating in this deployment included:
Burton PD, Dearborn PD, Emmet County Sheriff’s Department,
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Lansing PD, Leelanau
County Sheriff’s Department, Life EMS Medic, Michigan State
Police, Redford Township PD, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal PD,
and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Departmentd
àÜ Signs posted in Algiers, La.outside of New
Orleans, displayed the short tempers of residents
who remained in the storm-damaged community
after Hurricane Katrina passed through.
• Fall 2005
Photos and snapshots were sent in by New Orleans area residents
and volunteers and posted at WWL TV4 News’ web site.
The Police Officers Journal
Ü Lt. Joseph Labarriere
of New Orleans’ Harbor
PD took this picture of
what he termed “a multiagency rescue mission”
in the city’s ravaged ninth
ward... Michigan’s law
enforcement community
was among the early
arrivals to assist in police
and rescue efforts.
Fast Response by NAPO and its
Members Greatly Appreciated
PANO Sends
Its Thanks
NAPO web site as posted for all members and relief fund contributors.
Ö Police and Fire
volunteers used every type
of floating craft to find and
rescue those stranded by
flood waters. This group
answered the call in the
north Miro/Tonti area of
New Orleans on the day
that Michigan police
officers began operating
with New Orleans officrs
on such patrols.
LEEP Sends
$25,000 to
Aid Officers in
Hurricane Area
A
s reported at the POLC annual conference in Traverse
City, our national affiliate, the National Association of
Police Organizations (NAPO) has established a Relief
Fund specifically for the needs of our brother and sister officers
in the hurricane devastated areas.
LEEP immediately contributed $25,000, from private donations
and not from membership dues, to assist the NAPO relief program.
Even as overtime work efforts continue to try cleaning up the
devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, many police officers in
the stricken areas do not even have homes to go back to any more.
Your personal contributions are sorely needed, too. The NAPO fund
is a 501(c)3 program and will be coordinated with NAPO’s local
affiliates, including the Police Association of New Orleans (PANO).
For information, contact William Johnson or John Terrill, 750
First St. NE, Suite 920, Washington, DC 20002-4241 or (202) 8424420; FAX: (202) 842-4396. Their web site is at www.napo.org
or [email protected]. d
Bill, Tommy & NAPO Members:
Bill, I wanted to thank you for traveling alone for two days
each way to bring the basic needs for the members of PANO
& the NOPD. I know many many officers were without the
basic needs and were awaiting your arrival knowing you
were en route with some relief. Please let your family know
you were a blessing and we appreciate them for intruding
on your family time.
Tommy and the eleven members that traveled to New
Orleans with truckloads of supplies what can I say... WOW.
You guys were traveling on a tight schedule and were here
and gone so fast. Again, the items you brought were in dire
need. Many officers lost everything, some were stranded on
the 1-10 for three days without food, water and had no clothing
or personal items. I have since spoken to several officers and
they are so grateful for anything they get. THANK YOU!!!
One other thing Tommy please, tell your girls thank you for
the gift bag they sent me personally it was GREAT.
Members of NAPO you have truly stepped up to the plate
and have been so supportive to the members of PANO,
can’t thank you enough. Many of you have e-mailed me and
wanted an address. Any PANO mail should be sent to 13544
Minou Avenue, Baton Rouge, La. 70809. There is no mail
going to New Orleans presently. Lt. Benelli comes to Baton
Rouge a couple days a week where I have set up an office.
(This office is being supplied by NAPO. I have a laptop and
printer which I needed badly and other items. THANK YOU.)
I will keep you posted on any new developments here in
New Orleans and, just maybe in 10 or so years ya’ll will
be ready for PANO to host a convention again.
Sincerely,
Rhonda McCord, Executive Assistant
Police Association of New Orleans
www.polc.org
• The Police Officers Journal
Michigan’s
Woeful
Economy
Hits Police
Units Hardest
T
he statewide fiscal crunch is affecting a growing number of police
departments across Michigan.
Facing the layoff of 10 police officers
in Saginaw, city manager Cecil Collins has
proposed transforming some of those police
officers into firefighters to fill seven vacancies in the Fire Department.
Under his plan, seven of the affected
officers would receive fire training to respond
as needed to police calls and fire runs.
The cross-trained officers would carry firerescue gear in their police cruiser.
Saginaw Police Officers Union President
Dan Kuhn voiced support for the idea. He
noted the Saginaw Police department is
down to 89 officers from a complement
of 150 five years ago.
“I’m looking at this department being
destroyed,” Kuhn said. “I’m watching it get
gutted. We need to explore other options.”
Combined police and fire operations is
not a new concept. At least a dozen Michigan communities, including Kalamazoo
and Oak Park operate combined public
safety departments.
The Clinton Township Police Department
in Macomb County, also facing fiscal restraints, recently disbanded a short-staffed
five-person police special investigation unit.
The unit’s existing staff of three officers
was reassigned to other duties. The unit had
handled drug and prostitution incidents.
“We’re getting back to the basics of
police work – road patrol,” Clinton Township Police Chief Al Ernst told reporters
from the Detroit News. “It has concerned
me for a while that the drug unit wasn’t
up to full capacity for their safety and effectiveness. If I can’t run it appropriately,
I don’t feel comfortable running it.” d
• Fall 2005
Labor Council Honors
4 Veterans for Service
T
wo former POLC Executive Committee members and two former staff
members were honored at the Annual Police Officers Labor Council
Meeting and Conference and each presented a commemorative plaque
honoring them “For long, faithful service and dedication to the furtherance of
unionism and professionalism among public safety officers throughout the
State of Michigan.”
Receiving the special honors were:
Robert Heighes from
Eastern Michigan University PS, was first elected
to the Executive committee
in September of 1998 and
served through March of
2005. Bob served on the finance and grievance committees until his promotion out
of the bargaining unit.
Edward Hillyer of Grand
Rapids, served on the
Executive Committee from
1995 until his retirement
from the police department in June of 2005. Ed
served on the grievance and finance committees and was instrumental in starting
our LEEP non-profit charitable activities.
He served as chairperson from 1998-2005
when he retired. Ed now serves the labor
council as a labor representative.
Thomas Kreis served
as a labor representative
from 1989 through October 2004, when he was
appointed by the state
as a state mediator. Tom
is the second labor council staff member
ever selected to hold this important position. Tom previously served as a police
officer in Alpena where he was president
of his lodge and the state lodge of Michigan.
James Quinn was hired
by the Labor Council as
a staff representative in
March of 1982. Jim retired
with 24 years as a representative in July of 2005.
Previously Jim was a police officer at the
MSU campus and worked as a management representative.
POLC Annual Conference
Continued from page 2 Both will serve for the ensuing year. Tom
Wilk, the previous chairperson chose
not to seek re-election and VanHouten
was re-elected to his present position as
Vice-Chairperson.
Congratulations to all!!
Delegates at the business session also
heard reports from POLC legal counsel,
John Lyons, a financial report from our
CPA and Auditor, Karen Welch from
Walsh & Company and finally my report
as Director. I want to thank Dan Viant
and Greg Viener of Citizens Bank for
sponsoring the Hospitality Room on
Thursday and Friday nights – believe
me, it was an important part of all the
information-sharing that was done and
greatly appreciated. d
Ö Jim Quinn and
wife, Cris, had plenty
to celebrate at POLC’s
annual conference.
In addition to Jim’s
retirement honors after
a 24-year career as
a staff representative,
Jim also managed a
hole-in-one during
the annual POLC
golf tournament.
The Police Officers Journal
POLC Golf Outing:
PERFECTION!
By Noreen Livesey
P
erfect weather, a perfect course and even some perfect
golf – a hole-in-one – highlighted the annual POLC Golf
outing held during the annual conference in Traverse
City in September.
Again this year, we were able to play on the fantastic Wolverine
Course at the Grand Traverse resort. The course was in great
shape, and the weather was even better.
As befits the intense competition, there was a tie for first
place. Two teams came in with a 10-under par score of 62. The
Kentwood foursome finally lost to the POLC team of Whetstone,
Ramos, Ramos and Hetherington. The tiebreaker was decided
by matching scorecards on the #1 handicap hole.
Longest drive went to Jason Pence. Closest to the pin was
won by Brian Miller.
Two teams shared in skin winnings. The first skin went to
Jim Quinn’s team, thanks to Jim’s “Hole-in-One” (the seventh
of his career) on hole #12. His teammates Fred LaMaire, John
Corrigan and Chad Nader shared the winnings. This will be Jim’s
last POLC golf outing as he is retiring after 24 years of dedicated service as a staff representative. What a way to finish!
The second team skin went to Bob Livesey, Butch Mastroionni,
John Lyons and John Trupiano. They eagled hole #8.
It was a lucky day for Todd Chouinard of Escanaba. Not only
did he win the 50/50 drawing, he also won a golf bag donated
by HAP. Other golf bag winners were: E.J. Belmore of Macomb
Community College – bag donated by HAP; John Goldpaugh – bag
donated by Blue Cross of Grand Rapids; Aaron Schley of Battle
Creek - bag donated by Fred Timpner of MAP, and Tom Wilk – bag
donated by Rob Pliskow of Nationwide Insurance.
Thanks to Tom Schneider of COPS TRUST and Dale Jablonski
of The Dale Corp. for the golf balls donated for each player. A
special thank you goes to all of our hole sponsors and the
above-mentioned organizations for the golf bags, golf balls and
other prizes donated to help make this event successful
We want to thank all participants in the POLC golf outing.
Hope to see everyone back next year. d
Ü Following
a tie-breaking
match-up, from left,
Lloyd Whetstone,
Rick Hetherington,
Karen and Dan Ramos,
came up as final
winners after tying the
Kentwood foursome
with a 10-under 62 in
regular play during the
annual POLC golf
tournament at Grand
Traverse. Karen is a
POLC secretary.
www.polc.org
• Highlights of the An
®
MCOLES Director
Speaks on Police Standards
á Lead Seminar speaker Ray Beach (right), Executive Director of the
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and MCOLES
staffer John Steele (left), chat with POLC Staff Rep. Lloyd Whetstone.
Bargaining Environment ‘Critical’
Attorney and Arbitrator George Roumell discussed negotiations,
mediation, and other procedures leading up to compulsory arbitration – Act 312 and/or fact-finding (for non-312 eligible employees).
And if conference attendees weren’t too sure about it, Roumell
certainly confirmed that the state of the economy in Michigan
is not good.
He pointed out that Michigan employers generally, have reduced
budgets that offer employees collective bargaining packages of
less than the three percent (3%) range. For employers who are
subject to state financial control and the critical pressures of
reluctant taxpayers, it becomes especially important to try to hang
on to current benefits and not hope for significant increases or
modification. Sometimes, holding on to what we have is the
most prudent course to follow, he indicated.
Roumell also noted that while most economic demands include
health care, wages, and pension issues and their respective costs,
most Arbitrators do recognize that employers are having severe
difficulty coping with the extreme hikes in health care costs,
greatly reduced revenue sharing, and a declining economy in today’s
labor markets. Employees, on the other hand, may have to determine
priorities and make serious choices about where their members
can benefit most from the available economic packages. It is not
reasonable to expect gains if proposals include increases in all
areas such as health care, wages and pensions, he cautioned.
Arbitrator Roumell praised the Labor Council’s staff as most
experienced and knowledgeable. He urged members to consult with,
and act on, staff representatives’ advice in order that equitable
contracts can be obtained. d
8 • Fall 2005
Raymond Beach, Executive Director of the Michigan Commission
on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) reviewed MCOLE’s
mandate to ensure that Michigan’s professional law enforcement
community meets the highest standards
He told attendees that the federal HR 218 “Law Enforcement
Officers’ Safety Act” has caused some specific concerns with regard
to the right to carry a weapon. He also detailed how the Attorney
General’s office has been trying to address the issue to satisfy legal
requirements. Beach indicated that the Commission stays in contact
with all police units and specifically asked for POLC member
responses on how to further advance the interest of the law
enforcement profession. d
Making use of the
Mediation Process
Tom Kreis, State Mediator, and a former POLC staff representative, (the second POLC representative to be chosen by the state as
a mediator) detailed the advantages of mediation prior to going to
binding arbitration, grievance arbitration or fact-finding for conference attendees (including many new unit stewards in attendance).
He stressed how issues should be pared down and noted that
whatever is said by either party to a mediator is confidential.
Kreis further stressed that mediation for grievance matters is
another way to attempt to resolve issues prior to the final step
of the grievance procedure, as mediators will make themselves
available to the parties. d
Financial Planning
In a ‘Down’ Economy
In these critical financial times, Leon LaBreque, CPA, JD, and
CFP (certified financial planner), also spoke about the state of our
economy. He indicated ways in which Hurricane Katrina will
most likely affect not only the nation’s economy but Michigan’s
as well, in the coming months.
He noted some obvious items: that gas prices are on the rise –
over the three dollar mark, and further – and that we can expect
rises in the price of coffee products as well. Interestingly, one-third
of U.S. coffee products were received through the port of New
Orleans prior to Katrina. Obviously, other ports will have to be used.
Gas prices will continue upward, unless the government releases
its reserves (and they did).
nnual POLC Conference
Health care costs continue to spiral upward driving the consumer
to pay more in premiums and deductibles. There are indications
that Medicare changes may help; but, many factors will impact
on investment funds and retirement portfolios – and planning.
LaBreque suggested units may want to consider starting up a
“Retiree Medical Trust” (RMT), in the area of health care costs.
An RMT is funded while one is actively working. Fund payments
for premium and health care costs would be pre-funded and
potentially available when one needs it most – at retirement. d
A Look at Police
Officers and the Law
A panel discussion was held covering Garrity, Weingarten and
Miranda rights. Mark Douma and Tom Zulch from the firm of John
Lyons Esq., POLC General Legal Counsel and John Goldpaugh,
Goldpaugh Associates, Chief Counsel to the DPOA, took part.
The panel stressed that “Garrity” rights protect public employees’
Fifth Amendment rights to be free from self-incrimination. Your
employer may order you to answer questions related to your job
performance. Failure to answer truthfully has been held to be
cause for discipline up to discharge. These statements cannot be
used against you in a subsequent criminal proceeding.
Weingarten Rights provide that employees have the right to
union representation during questioning or interviewing of an
employee by the employer which could result in discipline.
á POLC Attorney John Lyons didn’t mince any words as he
introduced a panel on Police rights for annual meeting attendees
As far as Miranda Rights, the panel told attendees that when
the target of any criminal investigation, one should never give
any statement. As you know, “Miranda” statements can and
will be used in criminal proceedings. d
Legislators Debating
Police Rights
James Curran of Karoub Associates, POLC’s lobbyist in Lansing
gave an update on pending legislation. Of special interest is the
“Garrity’ Bill POLC helped sponsor through our legislative arm,
Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO). This bill is
sponsored by State Senator Alan Sanborn of Macomb County.
As currently written, it makes all statements given to be confidential
and open to public inspection only if written consent is given by
the involved law enforcement officer. The statements are subject
to subpoena of the Attorney General and/or court order. d
á State Senator Jason Allen of Traverse City
(at right) officially welcomed the police officers
to the city and also discussed some legislative
matters with POLC Executive Director Richard
Weiler before the sessions began.
Ü From left are POLC staffers Karen Ramos,
Diane Mastroionni, Noreen Livesey, Golf Outing
Coordinator Butch Mastroionni (standing) and
Bob Livesey.
www.polc.org
• 9
The Police Officers Journal
MCOLES Extends
Jobs Deadline for
Police Candidates
I
n April, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement
Standards (MCOLES) acted to permit returning military
veterans to resume their career ambitions by extending a
former two-year deadline to find law enforcement jobs after
completing training requirements.
MCOLES’ action addresses a major problem for law enforcement
candidates who are members of military reserve or National Guard
units called to active duty before the candidate found law enforcement employment, it was noted.
The change in administrative rules also extends the deadline
for any pre-service candidate unable to secure law enforcement
employment to pursue a law enforcement career without repeating
an academy program. The Commission action suspended the portion
of the administrative rule that established the two-year time
frame for pre-service graduates to become employed as law
enforcement officers.
Candidates who, for any reason, were unable to secure law
enforcement employment within one year of successfully completing the training process will also be able to access the Waiver
of Training program to gain additional eligibility beyond the former
two-year limit.
Candidates most directly affected, must have passed the
State Licensing Examination, and the military service must
have been honorably served. To take advantage of this benefit,
MCOLES must be supplied with documentation of the dates of
active military service.
While pre-service law enforcement candidates are not covered
by provisions of the recently enacted Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the MCOLES action
removes a punitive restriction on some returning Michigan reservists who have honorably served their country and are not
covered by the Act.
The USERRA requires employers to reinstate permanent employees to their former job after active duty or to a comparable
position with the same status, seniority and pay. To be eligible
for reinstatement, employees must:
• Give advance notice prior to leaving
• Be on active duty for less than five years (excluding certain
service required by a declared war or national emergency)
• Not be dishonorably discharged or separated under other
than honorable conditions; and
• Report back to work in a timely manner after discharge
Permanent employees are entitled to the same status, pay
and benefits they would have received had they not gone into
active duty. Employers must use reasonable efforts, such as
training, to enable returning veterans to upgrade or refresh
their skills to become qualified for that position, if needed. d
★★
USERRA POSTER
AVAILABLE
From MCOLES and ESGR
P
osters explaining the rights of employees in the National Guard and Reserve under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act are available
from the U.S. Department of Labor and must be available at all
work sites.
The poster may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of
Labor’s web site at: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.pdf. d
10 • Fall 2005
★
★
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA
THE UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT
AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT
USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service.
USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to
the uniformed services.
REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION
You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave that
job to perform service in the uniformed service and:
✩
If you leave your job to perform military service, you have the right
to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan
coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in
the military.
✩
Even if you don't elect to continue coverage during your military
service, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer's
health plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waiting
periods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) except
for service-connected illnesses or injuries.
✩
✩
✩
✩
you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbal
notice of your service;
you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformed
services while with that particular employer;
you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely manner
after conclusion of service; and
you have not been separated from service with a disqualifying
discharge or under other than honorable conditions.
If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and
benefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due to
military service or, in some cases, a comparable job.
ENFORCEMENT
✩
The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training
Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints
of USERRA violations.
✩
For assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other information on
USERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USA-DOL or visit its website at
http://www.dol.gov/vets. An interactive online USERRA Advisor can
be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.
✩
If you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it,
you may request that your case be referred
to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel,
depending on the employer, for representation.
✩
You may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil action
against an employer for violations of USERRA.
RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION
If you:
✩
✩
✩
are a past or present member of the uniformed service;
have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or
are obligated to serve in the uniformed service;
then an employer may not deny you any of the
following because of this status:
✩
✩
✩
✩
✩
initial employment;
reemployment;
retention in employment;
promotion; or
any benefit of employment.
In addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting in the
enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making a
statement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if that
person has no service connection.
U.S. Department of Labor
1-866-487-2365
The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. This
notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this
address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.pdf. Federal law
requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA, and
employers may meet this requirement by displaying this notice where they
customarily place notices for employees.
1-800-336-4590
Publication Date—February 2005
Ü Real documents, images, and public perceptions of law enforcement over the
centuries will be part of the National Law Enforcement Museum’s collection.
National Police
Museum Wants
Antique Memorabilia
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
I
f you have a vintage bottle
of rum-runner’s hooch from
the Prohibition Era (even an
empty bottle) or some original
arrest paperwork on a member
of Michigan’s infamous “Purple
Gang” gathering dust in your
basement – and you can prove
those items are the real thing,
you can help build the National
Law Enforcement Museum’s
collection of historical law enforcement items.
The Museum is scouring the country to obtain objects, documents,
and law enforcement memorabilia to tell the story of U.S. law
enforcement from the 17th century to the present.
Items such as those suggested below are needed for the
Museum’s collection:
•Uniforms, gear, police equipment, communications tools,
badges, vehicles, and weapons, particularly items involved in
interesting events or that have historical significance (e.g.,
first examples, those that show changes in technology, etc.)
•Evidence from significant 19th and 20th century crimes – such
as items belonging to notorious criminals (Bonnie and Clyde,
Al Capone, etc.)
•Pieces of evidence used for the first time or in significant cases
utilizing forensic methodology (fingerprints, tread analysis,
hair samples, type comparisons, etc.)
•Items showing law enforcement in pop culture (contemporary
and historical), including movie posters, comic books, pulp
fiction, action figures, general memorabilia
•Academy training manuals, textbooks, videos, and equipment
demonstrating the breadth of instruction law enforcement
officers received
•Objects or documents from notable law enforcement officers
•Objects, documents, and images that reflect the experiences
of contemporary law enforcement officers
•Law enforcement gazettes, newspapers,
broadsides, unpublished memoirs, and photographs
Items for NLEM’s collection will receive the highest standards
of care, will be thoroughly researched, and will enable the general
public and generations to come to have a greater understanding
of the law enforcement profession and its relationship with
American society. All items accepted into the NLEM collection
will be acknowledged and will be tax deductible to the full extent
allowed by law.
To donate your artifact to the National Law Enforcement Museum,
please contact Exhibitions Coordinator, Kimberly Nelson Hanser,
at (703) 278-0791 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also
download forms from the Museum web site (www.nleomf.com/
TheMuseum/donationform.pdf) and fax them to 202-737-3405.
Please do not ship anything to the NLEOMF offices before
you’ve talked with the Exhibitions staff. They will want to talk
with you about your potential donation.
In November 2000, Congress passed a law, signed by then President Clinton, authorizing a national law enforcement museum
to be built on federal property across from the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square.
Scheduled to open in 2009, the 90,000-square-foot National
Law Enforcement Museum in the nation’s capital will be the first
national museum in the world dedicated to law enforcement.
The Museum will celebrate the vital contributions that America’s
law enforcement officers have made to our nation. It will be filled
with hands-on activities, state-of-the-art interactive technology,
and rotating educational exhibits that will explore the past,
present and future of law enforcement in America. More than
500,000 visitors from around the world are expected yearly.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum will offer a forum for
important discussions on current and emerging trends in law
enforcement and serve as a research repository for law enforcement safety. d
www.polc.org
• 11
Member News
Mackinaw City Seminar
Bridges the Gap
By Danny Bartley
M
ichigan’s Upper Peninsula law enforcement community cannot easily take the time to travel all the way
to Troy or Grand Rapids to attend the POLC’s usual
training seminars, so our staff went a few extra miles to bring
an updated seminar to Mackinaw City in June.
Chief legal counsel John Lyons offered presentations on Garrity,
Miranda, Loudermill, Weingarten and the Polygraph Protection
Act, and POLC Executive Director Richard Weiler told the attending
unit members about pending legislation affecting law enforcement
in Michigan. State Mediator Tom Kreis was on hand to help
inform members about MERC Mediation Services.
The presentations were well received, and were followed by an
extended question and answer session that provided extra benefits
for all in attendance. An extra benefit for attendees was the
ability to network with fellow union members with the same
interests and problems. The ability to find resource contacts should
prove valuable as contract talks and internal issues arise.
As a reminder, these seminars are free. The only cost to you is
your time. Check out the next POLC flier announcing a training
seminar in your area and do yourself a favor – attend. It is well
worth your time. d
à Grand Rapids unit Chief Steward David Leonard (left) and POLC rep.
Fred LaMaire (at right) were in scheduled bargaining sessions but took a
quick break when Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm stopped by on a
campaign swing through the city. She met with local labor leaders at the
Grand Rapids union hall earlier this year.
12 • Fall 2005
á There wasn’t an empty chair to be found at the Labor Council’s annual
meeting in Traverse City as attendees packed the meeting room for the Seminar
presentations and update sessions.
Premium on Unused Seminar
Seats Can be Costly
By Danny Bartley
A
major benefit of POLC membership is the Regional
Training Seminars offered by your union.
In discussions with potential new members, I have often been told that these non-POLC members have to attend
their union’s Annual Meeting to receive their “training.” It’s interesting to me because “annual” means once per year – so I wonder
what a new steward does to get the needed training to perform
their union functions on a day-to-day basis should they become
a steward after the “annual” meeting.
The ability to act as facilitators and stewards to a unit’s members
is part of a constantly changing process. Laws change every time
the legislature meets; arbitration awards and court decisions can
have huge effects on law enforcement, some good and some not
so good, and changes in policy by the Michigan Employment
Relations Committee affect everybody in the Labor professions.
In most cases, those who serve as stewards need to have
current knowledge in hand before thorny issues arise.
Unions which offer training to their membership on a once per
year basis are not offering good representation. In fact, that kind
of training concept “flies in the face” of what representation
really means.
The POLC’s series of regional training seminars, as well as the
training programs which were held at our Annual Conference is a
responsibility we take very seriously, and it demonstrates our commitment and dedication to providing service to our member units.
Having informed and trained members is a benefit not only to
the local units, but also to the organization as a whole. Catch up
with where you should be by attending the next POLC Regional
Training Seminar.
If you’d like a schedule of our upcoming programs or want to schedule one in your area, all it takes is a call to the POLC office. d
The Police Officers Journal
Contract Settlements
Midland Police Command Officers
Flushing Township Patrol Officers
• Five-year agreement
• Three-year contract
• Wages:
3% eff. July 1, 2005
3% eff. July 1, 2006
3% eff. July 1, 2007
3% eff. July 1, 2008
3% eff. July 1, 2009
• Wages:
2% eff. April 1, 2006
2.5% eff. April 1, 2007
3% eff. April 1, 2008
• Signing bonus: $500 per member, payable after council ratification
• Health Care: A deductible for prescriptions or office visits was instituted
not to exceed $25. Employer has right to institute a deductible for hospital emergency room visits not to exceed $50
• Administrative Lt. and Detective Lt. add one hour EBT for 42-hour work
week
• Shift premium: $130 for night officers
• Compensatory time: Adds Training Out of Town - overnight - three or
more days
• Holidays: The 24 hours from 6:15 a.m. on the day of the holiday to 6:15
a.m. of the following day; adds day after Thanksgiving
• Health Care: Dental premiums go to $35 per month eff. July 1, 2005, and
to $40 per month eff. July 1, 2006. Employee contributions for health and
life insurance costs remain the same
• Duty Disability: Additional sum can be extended up to a one-year period
from the date of injury.
Bargaining Team: Cliff Block, Pat Hansen, George Hutter, and POLC Rep.
Jerry Caster.
• Retirement: MERS multiplier increased from 2.5 to 3 with costs paid by
the employer
• Other improvements: An extra sick leave day per year, raising life insurance from $40,000 to $60,000, Longevity goes from $1500 for 10 years
service to $2,000; 15-year longevity payment increased from $2,000 to
$2,500
• Patrol officers negotiated an improved 8-hour shift schedule allowing all
officers assigned to patrol part of a weekend off
Bargaining Team: Minette Coe, Louis Cook, and POLC Rep. Homer
Lafrinere.
Pittsfield Township Lieutenants & Sergeants
• Two-year reopener, wages only
• Wages:
4.78% increase eff. Jan. 1, 2005
3% increase eff. Jan. 1, 2006
• 1% reduction in employee’s MERS contribution
Bargaining Team: Donnie O’Farrell, Steve Heller,
Brandon Williams, and POLC Rep. Duane Smith.
Continued  à Bargaining unit members (from left) George Hutter, Cliff Block, POLC Rep. Jerry Caster, and Pat Hansen sign their newly ratified five-year contract.
www.polc.org
• 1
The Police Officers Journal
Kentwood Police Patrol Officers
Traverse City
• Three-year contract
• Three-year contract
• Wages:
2% eff. July 1, 2005
2% eff. July 1, 2006
1.5% eff. July 1, 2007
Top pay: $56,000
• Wages:
3% eff. Jan. 1, 2005
2% eff. Jan. 1, 2006
1.5% eff. Jan. 1, 2007
• Pension: Increased employer contribution to Defined
Contribution Plan by 1.5% over the term of the agreement
• Increases in short-term disability eligibility, compensatory time and vacation time
• Retiree insurance: Increased from $10 to $12 times years of service
• Health Insurance: Increased drug co-pay to $10/$20
Premium Sharing:
$8 per pay period, eff. Jul. 1, 2005
$12 per pay period, eff. Jul. 1, 2006
$15 per pay period, eff. Jul. 1, 2007
• Insurance Opt-Out: Amount increased from $1,200 to $2,400
• Short-Term Disability Insurance: Employees may purchase STD benefits
with employer agreeing to deduct cost through payroll deduction
Bargaining Team: Brian Berry, David Peuler, Paul Schaaf and Don Tuuri,
assisted by POLC rep. Fred LaMaire.
Portland Police Department
• Pension: Multiplier increases from 2.5% to 2.8% at no cost to employees
• Contract also includes improvements in promotional and grievance procedures and other changes, that were satisfactory to the bargaining unit
Bargaining Team: Paul Ellul, Scott Maxson, and POLC Rep. Fred LaMaire.
Tecumseh
• Three-year contract
• Wages:
2% eff. July 1, 2005
1.25% eff. Jan. 1, 2006
2% eff. July 1, 2006
1.25% eff. Jan. 1, 2007
2% eff. July 1, 2007
1.25% eff. Jan. 1, 2008
• Health Care: Change in carrier of drug card only, no increase of deductibles
• Three-year contract
• Retirement: One year free to members who retire in this contract period.
• Wages:
3% eff. July 1, 2004
3% eff. July 1, 2005
3% eff. July 1, 2006
Bargaining Team: Assisted by POLC Rep. Duane Smith.
•Insurance: City contributes $4,762 for single coverage, $10,761 for two-person
coverage and $12,155 for family coverage. City agrees to fully pay for
insurance premiums for single person coverage and increases in premiums
for two-person and family coverage up to 10% each year. Premium increases
in excess of 10% shall be split 50/50 between the city and the employee.
Employees paying for two-person or family coverage agree to contribute
up to $100 per month under this formula
•Retirees: The parties agree to reopen the retiree health insurance portion
of the agreement to negotiate future retirees possible participation in the
MERS retiree health insurance plan(s) as soon as a group retiree health
insurance plan is available to retirees through MERS
•Payment in Lieu of Insurance: Cap payment in lieu of health insurance at
$1,200 for new employees hired after Dec. 8, 2004
•Longevity: Increase cap on longevity from $1,000 to $1,200
•Fitness for duty: Employer has the right to require a fitness for duty evaluation
and the right to select the doctor. The city will agree to a second evaluation if
the union or employee obtains an opinion (at their cost), which disagrees
with the city’s initial evaluation. The city and the employee will split the
cost of the city’s second evaluation. “Fitness for duty” language shall be
subject to approval by union business agent and city’s labor counsel
Bargaining Team: Ofc. Todd Mehigh, Ofc. Tim O’Dowd, and POLC Rep.
Thomas W. Reed.
Fremont Police Officers
• Three-year contract
• Wages:
2.5% eff. Jul 1, 2005
2.5% eff. Jul. 1, 2006
2.5% eff. Jul. 1, 2007
• Health Insurance: Increase drug card co-pay to $15/$50
• Shift Differential: Increase 2nd shift to $.45 per hr.
Increased 3rd shift to $.50 per hr.
Bargaining Team: Jon Geeting, POLC rep. Fred LaMaire.
Charlotte Police Patrol Officers
• Three-year agreement
• Wages: 3% eff. Jul. 1, 2005 with wage-only re-openers for 2006 and 2007
• Improvements: Added extra vacation day at each step; “normal shift” holiday
pay for officers not working the holiday; increase in maximum longevity from
$1,250 to $1,500. Clothing allowance for detectives increased from $300
per year to $500; $200 boot allowance allowed for patrol officers on an
as-needed basis
• Retirement: Increases MERS multiplier from 2.5 to 3.0 with officers paying
1% of the 4.5% increased cost
• Health Insurance: Prescription co-pays increase to $10/$20/$40, eff. Jul. 1,
2006 with understanding that if all City employees do not increase to this
amount, officers’ co-pay reverts back to $7. City agrees to match officers’
contributions to a health savings plan up to $500 in 2006, and $1,000 in 2007.
City’s ICMA match will not increase above the $2,000 per year now paid
• Other: Numerous work concerns were addressed and resolved, including
supplemental coverage for on-the-job injuries and sleep deprivation for night
shift officers whose sleep is interrupted during the day by court or call-in
Bargaining Team: Jim Falk, Steve Poshedley, Paul Montague, and POLC
rep. Homer Lafrinere. d
14 • Fall 2005
The Police Officers Journal
Arbitration
Chesterfield Township: Job Postings Required
The bargaining agreement contains language requiring the posting of vacancies
to be filled by transfer or promotion for a minimum of five days. In addition, the
Employer will then test if necessary to select the best applicant for the position.
In July 2003, the Employer created a new job at the Clerk 3 pay level.
Three people applied for the position. The two senior people declined the
position because it was a lateral transfer with no pay increase. A junior
member was given the job.
In December, the position was amended from a Clerk 3 to a Clerk 5 position
without posting, at a significant increase in pay. The Employer claimed it was a
reclassification of a position and not a promotion, therefore they believed it
did not have to post. The Union, supported by Township Board meeting minutes,
claimed it was a promotion and must be posted under the Agreement.
The Arbitrator granted the grievance in favor of the Union. He noted that
some employees have been jumped from one step to the next without posting,
such as a Clerk 3 to a Clerk 4 position, in the past. However, a double jump
and the significant pay increase it entails can only be a promotion. He ordered
the position to be posted and do whatever testing is necessary to pick the
best applicant. If a new employee is chosen, that employee is entitled to pay
retroactive to Dec. 2003.
While this is a somewhat surprising outcome, in all likelihood the Employer
will test all applicants and probably pick the same clerk who is currently in
the position. d
Muskegon: Seniority for Overtime
The Arbitrator granted in part and denied in part, a grievance filed by two
detectives who believed they were entitled to a special overtime assignment
given to two other detectives with less seniority.
At 1:15 p.m. on May 21, the City Manager requested two police officers for
traffic control duties on the morning of May 22. Volunteers were first sought
from patrol officers, without response. At 2:45 p.m. on May 21, volunteers were
sought from the detectives present in the station. Two detectives in the station
volunteered and were given the overtime assignment. At 3:00 p.m. May 21,
another detective on duty returned to the station and learned of the overtime
request. He allegedly told his sergeant that he should be entitled to the overtime
since he had more seniority. The sergeant did not respond and the detective
did nothing further to try to get the assignment. A second detective who was
not on duty May 21, but who had more seniority than the two detectives who
got the overtime, testified that he could have been contacted and would have
accepted if he had been contacted.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement is silent as to how overtime is to be
distributed. A departmental policy essentially says that overtime is to be distributed on the basis of seniority except in the event of an unusual occurrence or
emergency.
The Arbitrator agreed the Employer had an opportunity to and should have
made reasonable efforts to offer the overtime first to detectives with the most
seniority. He granted the grievance to the detective who was not working
May 21, but denied the grievance to the detective who was working May 21,
since he did not make more effort to get the overtime assignment, The Arbitrator
reasoned it was “tantamount to voluntary refusal. d
Detroit Loses Appeal for Firing Police Officer,
Court of Appeals Upholds Arbitrator’s Award
When the City of Detroit fired an officer in an off-duty incident in which he
discharged his firearm, an arbitrator ordered his reinstatement. The city appealed
and a trial court reversed the arbitration award as being against public policy.
That decision was appealed and the Michigan Court of Appeals has reinstated
the Arbitrator’s decision.
In its decision, the Court of Appeals noted that the review of arbitration
decisions is narrowly circumscribed, and “to invite judicial action to vacate
an arbitration award, the character or seriousness of a claimed error of law
must have been so material or substantial that the award would have been
substantially different if not for the error.”
The city contended the arbitrator’s original decision violated “any rational
view of the public policy of the State of Michigan.” The court found no clearly
articulated public policy and said the Arbitrator’s opinion should be upheld.
City of Detroit v. Detroit Lieutenants’ and Sergeants’ Association, 2005
WL 387647 (Mich. App. 2005) d
Ludington: Ticket ‘Quota’ Guidelines?
The Arbitrator denied a Grievant given three successive suspensions for
not writing enough tickets. The Grievant had issued 28 written warnings or
citations over the course of a 25-month period.
The POLC contended the Department’s standard amounted to a ticket quota
in violation of MCL 257.750. The Arbitrator agreed with the Employer, who
contended the standard was only a guideline and the Grievant was disciplined
for not meeting minimal performance expectations. d
Grand Rapids: Suspension Settled
Grievant was on-duty at lunchtime and made contact with his girlfriend.
She had been drinking and an argument ensued. At no time did the girlfriend
make any allegations against the grievant, however the Department issued a
two-day suspension for being in an argument during his on-duty time.
The Arbitrator encouraged both sides to settle the matter without a hearing.
After lengthy negotiations, the Department agreed to drop the two-day suspension
but leave the discipline in the officer’s file for an additional three months.
It was agreed that this case would not be used in a progressive discipline
situation. In addition, it was agreed that at the end of the three-month period
the matter would be entirely removed from the officer’s file. d
Benton Township: Holiday Pay Awarded
Two Grievants were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation
of a critical on-duty incident. During their eight-month leave, they sought holiday
comp time payment which was granted. Several months later the Township
notified them they were taking the comp time back.
The Arbitrator ruled that both Grievants were entitled to holiday pay for an
“excused absence” (administrative leave) under the collective bargaining
agreement language. The agreement grants holiday pay to employees who
do not work the actual holiday if an officer works their scheduled day before
and after the holiday, unless such absence is excused. d
www.polc.org
• 15
LEEP
©
You Could Help us
Save a Few More Lives
A
ll POLC officers and units should know about the Students on Sobriety
(S.O.S.) programs. If a high school in your community hasn’t yet participated
in the Law Enforcement Education Program’s Students on Sobriety show,
they’re missing out on something good – and so are you.
S.O.S. puts a caring face on you and your department’s road patrols and police
officers in general.
Retired Sgt. Ron Tolfree presents a 50-minute live demonstration that features
student volunteers using “Fatal Vision” goggles. It really drives home a point
about drinking and driving in a way that no other method can, short of having a
teen involved in a serious auto accident. It’s up to you to spread the word, or
speak with your department’s Liaison Officer or a local School Principal about a
program that’s drawing results and widespread acceptance.
It’s easy for any school to participate directly – or you could make it part of
your own local police youth activities by scheduling an open date. Just call the
LEEP program office at 248/542-2400 to schedule a program, or to have a video/DVD
of the program sent out. d
Supporters
West Michigan Cleaning
Grand Rapids, MI
Ada Manufacturing Co.
Grand Rapids, MI
Baird Robert & Co. Incorporated
Grand Rapids, MI
VET Center
Grand Rapids, MI
Security Mini Storage
Grand Rapids, MI
Shogun Restaurant
Grand Rapids, MI
We Need a Few
Good Pictures
To Tell the Story
W
e’ve all seen the wreckage
and carnage caused by drunk
drivers – but have you taken
any pictures of it?
Some of the more graphic examples
of cars involved in recent auto fatalities
in Michigan are needed to update LEEP’s
S.O.S. program.
If you, or your department, have such
photos, and would allow us their use,
call the LEEP Office. d
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Traverse City, MI
Permit No. 29