Volume 80, No. 1 - Wisconsin Professional Police Association
Transcription
Volume 80, No. 1 - Wisconsin Professional Police Association
The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association What’s Inside? The WPPA’s Efforts to Protect All in Law Enforcement page 3 The Contract, an article by WPPA Member Brian Austin page 9 News from the Upper Peninsula page 10 Calculating Net Effect of WRS Contribution page 11 Retirement Age Update page 11 The WRS Study: What You Need to Know page 11 Victory In OCONTO COUNTY! Arbitrator Says Employers Can’t Force WRS Contributions argued that the interests and welfare of the public are best served when well-trained officers are treated fairly, and the arbitrator in this case agreed with the WPPA’s assertion that if the legislature had intended for law enforcement officers to make a pension contribution when they overhauled the state’s collective bargaining laws, they could have done so. The arbitrator, also acknowledged that the new bargaining laws do treat public safety employees differently that other employees, but she refused to allow the County to put itself in the place of the legislature and to demand of its officers that which the Legislature did not seek. Benefitting law enforcement officers all across Wisconsin, the WPPA prevailed in an arbitration case in Oconto County in which the employer attempted to force the deputies to pay the same pension contribution as other public employees without bargaining for it in exchange. The WPPA successfully In turning down the employer’s offer of a one year contract in which the deputies would be forced to pay 5.8% of their wages into their pension on top of a wage freeze, the deputies’ final offer of a 4% wage lift over two years was awarded. Employers all across the state continue to confront law enforcement unions January 2012 • Vol. 80, No.1 with a variety of detrimental tactics meant to impair their rights and ability to negotiate fair wages and benefits. Many employers have threatened to use the arbitration process to impose WRS contributions on our members. Due to the WPPA’s victorious efforts on behalf of its members in Oconto County, other officers will be spared what we now know to be an empty form of intimidation. The WPPA is currently pursuing a wide variety of additional cases impacting law enforcement officer rights and benefits. Please be sure to read future issues of your Wisconsin Police Journal or check us out online at www.wppa. com for updates on these important developments to learn how they will directly impact you. If not already a member of the WPPA, contact us today at 800-362-8838 to learn more about how we can serve you. DAILY NEEDS DIRECTORY Governor Scott K. Walker Concerns of Police Survivors Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Legislative Information P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857 608-266-1221, Fax 608-267-2779 Hotline 800-362-9472 Local 608-266-9960 Division of Law Enforcement Services Purposes And Aims Of The Wisconsin Police Journal Crime Information Bureau The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707-7863, 608-266-1212 P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857 608-266-7751, Fax 608-266-1656 P.O. Box 2718, Madison, WI 53701-2718 608-266-7314, Fax 608-267-1338 Training and Standards Bureau P.O. Box 7070, Madison, WI 53707-7070 608-266-8800, Fax 608-266-7869 State Crime Laboratory-Madison 4626 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705-2156 608-266-2031, Fax 608-267-1303 State Crime Laboratory-Milwaukee 1578 South 11th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204-2860 414-382-7500, Fax 414-382-7507 State Crime Laboratory-Wausau 7100 W. Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401-8410 715-845-8626, Fax 715-848-5833 Division of Criminal Investigation Wisconsin Chapter 866-420-2500 The Wisconsin Police Journal is the voice of thousands of WPPA members throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Wisconsin Police Journal is dedicated to the following principles: • T o disseminate important news and information affecting the WPPA membership. • T o publicize the purposes, programs and public service projects of the WPPA. • T o inform government officials and state legislators of the problems and concerns of the membership. • T o inform the citizens of Wisconsin of the duties of the law enforcement officer and to encourage public acceptance of, and compliance with, the laws of the state. Wisconsin Emergency Management • T o reflect the proper and deserved image of law enforcement officers in order to help them perform their responsibilities to provide security for all persons and protect the rights of the individual regardless of race, creed or religion. Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection • T o defend and promote the integrity of the vast majority of law enforcement officers who, at great personal sacrifice, are devoting their lives and careers to the noble profession of law enforcement. P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857 608-266-1671, Fax 608-267-2777 P.O. Box 7865, Madison, WI 53707-7865 608-242-3232, Fax 608-242-3247 Hotline 800-422-7128 Office of Crime Victim Services P.O. Box 7951, Madison, WI 53707-7951, 608-264-9497 Driver License Records and Checking 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705, 608-266-2353 Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement P.O. Box 8933, Madison, WI 53708-8933, 608-266-3969 Wisconsin Police Journal - 2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT James L. Palmer, II Executive Director Comments and letters can be sent to Executive Director Jim Palmer at WPPA, 660 John Nolen Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail at [email protected]. The new laws dramatically diminishing the labor and employment rights of Wisconsin’s dedicated public employees are having an enormous impact on the ability of many public servants to make ends meet. While public safety employees were affected less than others, police officers and fire fighters have Wisconsin January 2012 • Vol. 80, No. 1 OFFICERS President – Dennis LeCaptain, Janesville Vice President – James Schumitsch, West Allis Treasurer – Kevin Sorenson, Portage County Secretary – Terri Smoczyk, Oneida County Sergeant at Arms – Timothy Fletcher, West Allis DIRECTORS Todd Ayers – Superior John Baumgartner – Beloit James Brigham – Dane County Cord Buckner - Wausau Michael Chinander – Eau Claire Michael Doud – Waukesha County Keith Fabianski – Oneida County Non-Protective Scott Favour - Madison Brian Fredericks – Waukesha County Lisa Gerbig – Onalaska John Hetland – Racine Todd Hoover – Racine Scott Jennings – Juneau County Susan Krause – Madison seen their right to bargain over their health insurance stolen from them, and employers all across the state are using their ability to make unilateral health insurance decisions to strongarm officers into paying a pension contribution. The number of employers who attempt these coercive tactics will only grow in the year to come. Making matters worse, local governments in 2012 will see a substantial $73 million cut to the funding they receive from the state. Wisconsin’s cities, villages, towns, and counties will have to find new ways to navigate a terribly difficult economic environment while providing core services like public safety with far less money. Significant service reductions across the state are expected. Governor Scott Walker and the Republican legislature have made their brand of reform clear: they will cut your funding, your services, and when that’s not enough, they will cut your legs out from under you and steal your rights. Throughout this horrendously challenging era, the WPPA has been carrying the mantle for Wisconsin’s labor community. We are waging battles all across the state, in our courts and before the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission. As explained on page 1 of this issue, we recently won a significant battle in Oconto County in which the employer tried to use arbitration to force their deputies to pay a pension contribution. In addition to a variety of current cases to determine the extent to which health insurance can be bargained under our new laws, the WPPA is fighting many others as well, and they will all Continue to Page 5 Professional Police Association Dale Marsolek – Arcadia Nichelle Nelson – Waukesha Kurt Pierce – Dane County Sups. David Raddatz – Fond du Lac Robert Richardson – Dane County Andrew Rosenow – La Crosse Jeryl Vonderheid – Eau Claire Jerold Vreeland – Retirees EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James L. Palmer, II GENERAL OPERATIONS OFFICE 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713 608-273-3840; 800-362-8838; 608-273-3904 Fax Web Site: www.wppa.com Editor: Julie Neeley Printing: American Printing, Madison CORRESPONDENCE Address all magazine editorial correspondence to: WPPA, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison WI 53713. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Wisconsin Police Journal 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713 ABOUT THE WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL The WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL (ISSN 10865187) Vol. 80, No. 1, is owned and published by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713. The WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL is published quarterly ( January, April, July, and October) and is circulated to dues-paying members of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Members’ subscriptions are included in dues. For non-members, the subscription price is $12 per year. Subscriptions will be accepted only from bona fide law enforcement officers and students enrolled in law enforcement. COPYRIGHT & POSTAGE Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, Wisconsin, and additional mailing offices. Material contained herein shall not be reproduced in any form without express advanced written permission. Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed, stamped envelope. Copyright© 2012 Wisconsin Professional Police Association Wisconsin Police Journal - 3 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Comments and letters can be sent to President LeCaptain at WPPA, 660 John Nolen Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail at [email protected]. As eloquently explained in Jim Palmer’s article, the legal battles the WPPA is fighting, benefit every officer and public employee in Wisconsin. In adopting the WPPA’s annual budget for 2012, your board of directors recognized this dynamic and worked tirelessly to address a substantial decline in revenue as a result of the decrease in civilian members, all the while ensuring that this organization has the resources required to protect our existing members’ rights. The board imposed a wide variety of significant and difficult cuts, including those that directly impact the WPPA staff that protect and promote you and your families each and every day. In short, the budget reflects the tough economic climate confronting our members while making sure the WPPA can be there to serve your needs. This was no easy task, and your board of directors, consisting of officers from all across Wisconsin, logged many hours on your behalf to get this crucially important job done. I am confident that we were successful in this effort, and I am very thankful for their commitment and dedication. Like you, I am anxious about the future. While I know that my employer has the upper hand at the bargaining table, I also appreciate that my local association and I are represented by the best labor WE REMEMBER union in Wisconsin. As evident in the consistent arbitration victories we record every year, the WPPA clearly has the expertise and resources to protect me and my job, and that kind of security means a great deal. Other officers around the state seem to be recognizing that as well. Since Governor Walker’s new bargaining laws went into effect, more and more police unions have joined the WPPA. They understand that now, more than ever, is the time for officers to band together to prevent our rights from being eroded further, and to get back that which was taken from so many other invaluable public employees. No organization in Wisconsin is better-suited to lead this charge, and I am proud and honored to be associated with this organization and to see the legacy that we will leave behind. It is a legacy that stands not for what is partisan, but for what is right and just. That is our calling as public employees, and I hope that you, as members of this organization, will join me in answering this call as we work to change the face of our government and put our state back on the track. WILLIAM GUERIN JERRY MCALLISTER,JR. DEBRA GLESSING Longtime WPPA member and past president, William Guerin passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2011. He was a veteran of WWII ArmyAir Force. Bill was a West Allis police officer for 35 years. He was president of the WPPA from 1974 to 1976. Bill was also the cofounder of the Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants. Washburn County Deputy Jerry McAllister passed away on December 16, 2011. After high school he attended Law Enforcement Recruit School, graduating at the top of his class. Jerry was extremely patient and compassionate, even during challenging situations. In 2005, Taser International, Inc. awarded Jerry the John H. Cover Medal for Non-Lethal Heroism for choosing to use his taser rather than deadly force. Washburn County Jailer/ Dispatcher Debra Glessing passed away on January 2, 2012. Debbie was a medical transcriptionist and in 1991 joined the Washburn County Sheriff ’s Department as a jailer/dispatcher. She enjoyed traveling, fine arts, dancing and gardening. Mostly she loved her family and truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. We extend our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family and friends. Wisconsin Police Journal - 4 We extend our deepest sympathy to Debra’s family and friends. Executive Director’s Report Continued: directly impact every law enforcement officer in the state. More so than ever before, the labor battles fought by the cops will determine the bargaining landscape for officers and non-officers alike In December, I was asked to go to Washington, D.C. to meet with senior White House staff to share the Wisconsin experience of 2011. It is increasingly clear that the nation has turned its attention to this state, and that they will watch how we endure this difficult time with great interest. I was proud to tell them how we stood up for our members’ long-term interests in opposing anti-union legislation, how we stood collectively with our union brethren, and how we will stand up and fight to protect our members’ interests and needs in every corner of our state. Law enforcement officers know full well that their remaining rights are ripe for a further attack if something does not change very soon. We have seen Scott Walker grant millions of dollars in tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy while at the same time gut the funding used to keep our communities safe. He has done all of this as the number of assaults on officers continue to increase at an alarming rate. These cuts will impact public safety and officer safety, and law enforcement officers cannot stand idly by and allow that to happen. That is why officers from all across the state stood with Wisconsin’s labor community to participate in the historic and massive rallies at our State Capitol, and that is why the WPPA’s membership has become more politically active than during any other time in our state’s history. At present, a historic movement to recall Governor Scott Walker has begun. There is a huge grass-roots effort underway to replace him with someone who will protect and promote our state and the dedicated men and women who serve its citizens. In the last nine months, law enforcement groups from all across the United States have contacted the WPPA to learn more about the state of affairs in Wisconsin and how it will likely affect them. In a fashion that is typical amongst officers, many have asked how they can help put an end to this dangerous trend. Many people across the country appreciate that if the domino falls in Wisconsin, the likelihood that they will be next will be exponentially greater. By contrast, if the recall effort of Scott Walker is successful, governors around the country will do whatever they can to avoid sharing a similar fate. Police officers used to be safe from political meddling and drastic cuts, but it is clear that this is no longer true. It has never been more crucial for our law enforcement community to stand together to preserve fair wages and benefits, thus ensuring the quality of life that our children deserve. Scott Walker has millions of dollars pouring in from the wealthy backers to whom he panders. We must show them all that we are stronger and that our collective voice is louder! Update Your Death Benefit Information! When was the last time you updated your WPPA Authorization Form? Have you married? Do you wish to change your beneficiary? WPPA dues-paying members can update their Death Benefit Beneficiary online at www.wppa.com under Resources. If you are unsure of who you have listed as your beneficiary, please e-mail Lori McDougall, lmcdougall@wppa. com. This form is for beneficiary changes only. DATES TO REMEMBER 2012 March 17-18 WPPA Bowling Tournament, hosted by Clark County Law Enforcement Association April 8-14 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week May 5-7 The WPPA’s 80th Annual Convention, Wisconsin Dells May 6-12 National Correctional Officers Week May 13-19 National Police Week May 18 WPPA-Sponsored Law Enforcement Breakfast, Olin Park, Madison May 18 Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, State Capitol June 6-7 Law Enforcement Torch Run® June 7-9 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games, Stevens Point August 13 WPPA Golf Tournament, hosted by Marshfield Professional Police Association September 9-11 35th Annual Police Musky Hunt, Minocqua Please Note: In observance of national holidays, all WPPA Offices will be closed on the following dates: May 28; July 4; September 3; November 22–23; December 24–25; January 1 If you have an emergency, please call 608273-3840, local or toll-free, 1.800-3628838 and tell the operator that you need to be called immediately. Wisconsin Police Journal - 5 SUCCESSFUL 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN® FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WISCONSIN Wisconsin Athlete Honored at International Law Enforcement Torch Run® Conference The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics recently celebrated it 25th Anniversary at the 2011 International LETR Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Wisconsin received the Diamond Level of Excellence Award, being one of 13 programs that raised more than $1 million in 2011. Wisconsin has the 6th largest LETR Program in the world raising $2,386,592 in 2011 and a grand total of $19,270,049 since the LETR began in Wisconsin in 1986! Although Wisconsin’s fundraising efforts are much to be celebrated, the delegation was more pleased to see a local athlete recognized as one of three inaugural recipients of the LETR International Executive Council Athlete Award. Surely a seasoned veteran, Martha Hill of Sheboygan, has been involved with the organization for 17 years competing in swimming, bocce ball, basketball, softball, tee ball, and golf, all while developing as a leader throughout Wisconsin and eventually the world. She currently serves as the athlete representative on the state and international committees for the LETR. Hill feels inspired and empowered by the involvement of law enforcement officers. “They give from the heart and spend countless hours year round working to support and sustain the Special Olympics Movement,” says Hill. “Many of them have families of their own but they spend hours making life better for the athletes of Special Olympics. I have no words to thank them enough for all they do.” Wisconsin Police Journal - 6 The LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world for Special Olympics. Annually, more than 85,000 dedicated, compassionate and volunteer law enforcement officers participate in the Torch Run throughout 35 nations, 12 Canadian provinces and all 50 US states, raising $42,651,200 worldwide for Special Olympics programs in 2011 and more than $414 million since its inception in 1981. Join us at one of the 12 Polar Plunges and be sure to check out our web site, SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org so your team can pick a date and location near you! Wisconsin Rapids Polar Plunge: Grand Rapids Lions Club, February 4, 2012 Menomonie Polar Plunge: Elk Point Resort, February 11, 2012 Southeastern Wisconsin Polar Plunge: The Brat Stop, Kenosha February 11, 2012 Muskego Polar Plunge: Muskego County Park, February 12, 2012 Fox Valley Polar Plunge: Menominee Park, Oshkosh, February 18, 2012 Madison Polar Plunge: Olin Turville Park, February 18, 2012 Whitewater Polar Plunge: Cravath Lakefront Park, February 18, 2012 Wausau Polar Plunge: Man-Made Lake at Sunny Vale Park, February 25, 2012 BE A BELOW ZERO HERO! February is fast approaching, and that means its time to get your team together for the 2012 Polar Plunge® winter fundraiser. Be a below zero hero by raising money and taking the Plunge for nearly 10,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athletes. The Polar Plunge is one of many Law Enforcement Torch Run® events which take place throughout the year to raise money for Special Olympics athletes. We invite you to take this opportunity to show friends, family and co-workers that you are a fan of Special Olympics Wisconsin in addition to thanking all the law enforcement officers from across the state that support our athletes by organizing these events. Last year a total of 9,320 plungers participated in 12 events statewide and helped to raise more than $1.9 million for Special Olympics Wisconsin! Green Bay Polar Plunge: The Watering Hole, February 25, 2012 Eau Claire Polar Plunge: Half Moon Beach in Carson Park, February 26, 2012 Coulee Region Polar Plunge and NEW 5K Run/Walk: Pettibone Beach, La Crosse, March 3, 2012 Milwaukee Polar Plunge: McKinley Marina, March 3, 2012 SOWI provides year-round training and competition opportunities through 18 different olympic-type sports for nearly 10,000 individuals with cognitive disabilities. Thank you to Fox Sports Wisconsin, Buffalo Wild Wings and the Tavern League of Wisconsin for their support of the Polar Plunge statewide, along with Kwik Trip and the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, the Mission Partners of SOWI, enabling the organization to hold 137 events throughout Wisconsin and five state tournaments per year. OVER THE EDGE WRAP-UP Special Olympics athletes overcome challenges every day, and earlier this year daring participants overcame a challenge of their own by going “Over the Edge” for Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI). For the second year in a row, the newest Law Enforcement Torch Run® event sent participants rappelling down the side of Madison and Milwaukee’s tallest buildings, along with Lambeau Field in Green Bay, while raising funds for nearly 10,000 athletes in Wisconsin. In August, 79 brave participants took the Ultimate Lambeau Leap by rappelling down the legendary walls of Lambeau Field and in October, a total of 105 participants went Over the Edge at The City Center at 735 in Milwaukee and the Tenney Building in Madison. The events attracted a wide range of Edgers, from local media personalities to mascots, as well as WPPA Executive Director, James Palmer! A huge thank you to Milwaukee’s Event Host, The City Center at 735; Madison’s Event Host, the Tenney Building; Green Bay’s Event Host, Lambeau Field, as well as everyone who participated and helped Edgers reach their fundraising goals. Next year’s Over the Edge events are already being planned to take place tentatively in September at the Tenney Building in Madison and The City Center at 735 in Milwaukee, and tentatively in August at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Stay tuned to the Wisconsin Police Journal and the SOWI website, SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org for dates and more details! Wisconsin Police Journal - 7 2012 WPPA BOWLING TOURNAMENT Hosted by the Clark County Deputy Sheriff’s Association This Tournament is open to all active and retired WPPA members and non-members of law enforcement and related fields. at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The team event will be held on Sunday, March 18 with squad times at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Team event will consist of four (4) bowlers per team. Times are subject to change depending upon the number of entrants. Your bowling times will be confirmed prior to the tournament. Entry Fees: The annual WPPA Bowling Tournament will be held on March 17 and 18, 2012, at Strike-Time Lanes in Neillsville; 11 S. Grand Ave., Neillsville, Wisconsin. Strike-Time Lanes is a 12lane house with wood lane coverings, automatic scoring and a full service bar. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 2, 2012. However, in order to ensure that requests for specific bowling times are met, we ask that you return your completed registration forms as soon as possible. The Singles and Doubles events will be held on Saturday, March 17 with times Team $100.00 $25.00/Bowler Doubles $50.00 $25.00/Bowler Singles $25.00 $25.00/Bowler All Events $5.00 Optional All USBC members and non-members may participate in a Moral Support sanctioned tournament with award recognition automatically extended to USBC members. Eligible non-members may qualify for award recognition at their option by paying the USBC affiliate membership fee. Team Captain We look forward to seeing you in Neillsville for the annual WPPA Bowling Tournament. If you have any questions, please contact Greg Sampson at 715-937-4200 or Steve Karau at 715743-5359. Hotels-Neillsville Non-WPPA Members add an additional $6.50 Team Name For all bowlers that do not have a USBC average and bowled in the 2011 tournament, we will use your 2011 all events average (per tournament rules approved by the Bowling Committee in May, 2010). Super 8 715-743-8080 1000 E. Division St., Neillsville Heartland Motel 715-743-4004 7 S. Hewett St., Neillsville Moraine Motel 715-743-2517 W6949 Ridge Rd., Neillsville Fannies Supper Club & Motel 715-743-2169 W3747 USH 10, Neillsville Department E-mail Address Telephone Singles/Doubles/All Events - Saturday, March 17 Bowler’s Name Please Circle Desired Time: 10:30 am or 1:30 pm USBC# Average Doubles $25/ea. Singles $25/ea. All Events $5/ea. Total $ $ $ 1 1 2 2 Team Event - Sunday, March 18 Please Circle Desired Time: 9:00 am or 12:00 pm Bowler’s Name Average $25/ea. Bowler Total $ 1 2 3 4 Total Amount Enclosed with Registration: $ Checks Payable to: Clark County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Attn: Steve Struensee 571 Court St., Room 308 Neillsville, WI 54452 Wisconsin Police Journal - 8 Non-WPPA Members add $6.50 Note: Please complete the contact information so we may confirm your times. THE CONTRACT By Brian Austin, Madison Professional Police Officers Association There is a contract you enter into with society when you become a police officer. You sign up for the job with the full understanding that you will never be wealthy. You accept the fact that you will work nights, weekends, and holidays. You will work in the blistering heat of the summer and the arctic chill of the winter. You understand that there will be family events cancelled at the last minute due to a chaotic work schedule. Little League games and piano recitals will be missed. You will consistently see the worst that human existence has to offer. You know that, statistically, you will die younger due to heart disease and stress-related illnesses than the average person (the most generous study has police officers surviving to an average age of 66, compared with 73 for the average US male population). Finally, you understand that your spouse or partner may at some point receive a visit from very somber people in the middle of the night, a visit which starts with the words “we have some bad news.” This is not a theoretical risk. In 2011, 173 police officers were killed in the line of duty. That number represents a 14% increase from the year before. For the first time in 14 years, more police officers were killed by gunfire than by on-duty auto accidents. Firearms related fatalities for officers rose 70% from 2008 to 2011. In one 24-hour period in January of 2011, 11 officers were shot in 5 states. Last year was open season on cops. The deal with a contract, though, is that obligations extend to both parties. In return for the sacrifices listed above, police officers have a right to expect certain things. A wage that allows you to raise a family in modest surroundings. Patrol cars that don’t explode when rearended. Body armor that stops bullets most of the time. The ability to take your child to the doctor when she is sick. however, things society can do to try to hold up its end of the contract. I had the sad honor of attending the memorial service for one of my fallen brothers last year. Police Officer Craig Birkholz, age 28, was shot to death on March 20, 2011 in the City of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Craig was responding to a domestic violence incident gone bad, and officers on the scene were calling for help. Craig was gunned down as he approached the residence to help his coworkers. Another responding officer, Ryan Williams, and his canine partner were also shot and seriously injured. Last year, Senate Bill 18 was introduced to provide health insurance to the surviving spouses and children of Wisconsin’s fallen law enforcement officers, retroactively. The bill passed the Senate on May 17, 2011, by unanimous vote. These officers, and their families, have given everything. . . . The least we could do for them, on behalf of a grateful public, is to give the survivors the peace of mind of health care. Craig was a decorated veteran of the United States Army who had survived combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He survived in a war zone only to be killed on the soil of his own back yard. This is almost too heartbreaking to think about. The other bitter irony is that Craig was murdered by another combat veteran. This incident devastated those of us in Wisconsin’s law enforcement community. It is remarkable how much you can grieve for a man you never met. A wonderful, happy, committed, compassionate, and principled young man was cut down in the prime of his life. The other tragedy is that Craig left behind the love of his life, Ashley. I can’t even begin to fathom the depth of her loss. A young couple with hopes, plans, and dreams, all cut short. Nothing can take that pain away. Nothing can soothe that ache. There are, In August of 2011, Ashley attended a hearing in front of the Wisconsin Assembly to discuss SB 18. She wrote a letter to the legislators, read by Fond du Lac officer Jeff Harbridge on her behalf. She told them about what the legislation meant to her and the families of other fallen officers. She was joined by others who shared similar losses. On multiple occasions, WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer explained to the Wisconsin Legislature how much this bill meant to the brave men and women of Wisconsin law enforcement. Nobody can claim that the Assembly members didn’t know the importance of this legislation. On November 1, 2011, the Wisconsin Assembly was supposed to take up this measure, and passage would have certainly resulted in Governor Walker signing the legislation. On that same day, the Assembly was scheduled to pass a resolution honoring the sacrifice of Craig Birkholz. The Birkholz family was supposed to go from the ceremony honoring Craig to watching the health insurance bill pass. It would have been a positive day among many filled with sorrow for this family. Few could have predicted what happened next. At the last minute, the Republican legislators in control of the Assembly blocked the bill from being brought to a vote. BLOCKED the bill that unanimously passed the Senate. From what I have discovered, the Birkholz family was given the choice of coming to the Capitol for the resolution only, but understandably opted not to attend. Continue to Page 15 Wisconsin Police Journal - 9 NEWS FROM THE UPPER PENINSULA By Emil Kezerle Business Agent/Coordinator Upper Michigan Office 314 U.S. Highway 141 Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920 906-875-4990; 800-361-1269 In response to the changes in law that have occurred and the anticipated changes coming in 2012, the WPPA and the Upper Michigan Law Enforcement Association (UMLEA) intend to sponsor a one-day training conference which will be open to all Upper Michigan WPPA members. The specific date is still being identified but we are looking at mid-February. We expect that the training conference will be at the Holiday Inn in Marquette and hope to have rooms available at a reduced rate for those that wish to stay either the night before or the night of the conference. Wisconsin Police Journal - 10 We will touch on a significant number of issues that have a direct impact on each of you here in Michigan. In addition to the changes relating to health care, there are a number of issues dealing with the Municipal Employee Retirement System (MERS) that each of you need to be aware of. It is critical that as many of our members as possible have a working understanding of the new law(s) and how that relates to the collective bargaining process. We will have staff from the Madison office available at this training conference. In addition, there will be a representative from the MERS present who will provide an overview of what has occurred or may occur in 2012. We also expect to have a representative from the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) available to discuss how they are managing the new law(s) as they relate to PA 312 (Binding Arbitration). You will receive a mailing which will identify the exact date, time, and location of the conference and an agenda. As has been the case in the past, this conference is open to all our Upper Michigan members. We always emphasize the attendance of local Association leaders, but in this instance we are placing equal emphasis on the attendance of as many of you as possible. It is critical that as many of our members as possible have a working understanding of the new law(s) and how that relates to the collective bargaining process. It will be worth each and everyone’s time to attend. CALCULATING NET EFFECT OF WRS CONTRIBUTION My employer is floating the idea of giving my union a pay increase if we’ll agree to pay a pension contribution. When payroll taxes and things like that are considered, how does that actually work out? As suspected, the effect of the WRS deferral is larger on a net basis, but you can see it’s more like 6.6%. Also, a 6% offset increase still costs the employee 1% because of FICA. It is also more costly for the employer. That is why employers have been making the contribution all this time – it costs them less than wages. The following chart helps break this out in basic terms: Base Wage Increase Total Gross Empee FICA* WRS Defferal Fed Tax State Tax 7.65% 5.90% 25% 6.50% Net Pay Diff % Diff 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 76.50 0.00 250.00 65.00 608.50 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 76.50 59.00 235.25 61.17 568.09 -40.42 -6.64% 1,000.00 60.00 1,060.00 81.09 62.54 249.37 64.83 602.17 -6.33 -1.04% All wages, up to $106,000, are subject to FICA taxes. WRS deferral avoids Federal and State Income tax. Anyone with any questions or comments is welcome to contact Jim Palmer at [email protected]. RETIREMENT AGE UPDATE THE WRS STUDY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The WPPA continues to be contacted about a potential change in the “normal retirement age” (or NRA) for protective occupation participants (police, firefighters, etc.). The term “normal retirement age” refers to the earliest age at which a member may retire with an unreduced benefit. Introduced during the last year of President Bush’s administration, this new federal rule’s effective date has been extended twice since President Obama took office, and is now set at January of 2013. Many questions have been asked about the current study of the Wisconsin Retirement System being undertaken by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. This communication provides some basic information about the study. The WPPA has worked diligently on this issue to make sure that our state and federal lawmakers are aware of this issue’s importance to our membership. WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer has been in close contact with the staff at the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds, the National Association of Police Organizations, and our congressional delegation. In addition to the WPPA’s efforts to have the IRS either delay this rule’s implementation or have it dropped altogether, it’s worth noting that Congressman Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) has also introduced legislation which will eliminate this rule as well. All signs continue to indicate that this rule will not go into effect. The Biennial State Budget (Act 32) that was signed into law last summer required a study of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), the Department of Administration (DOA), and the Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) were directed to study the structure and benefits of the WRS. The study must specifically address the issues of (1) establishing a defined contribution plan as an option for participating employees; and (2) permitting employees to not make employee required contributions and limiting retirement benefits for those employees to a money purchase annuity. The study is due no later than June 30, 2012, and the findings and recommendations must be reported to the Governor and the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance. ETF is a non-partisan state agency overseen by the independent Employee Trust Funds Board with a core responsibility to act in the best interests of WRS members. ETF takes its responsibility to complete the study seriously and is currently gathering data and conducting research in order to complete it by the deadline. The WRS is a very healthy, fully-funded pension system. We believe the study will shed more light on how the WRS works, its unique features that make it so healthy, and how the WRS supports retirement security for public employees across Wisconsin at a reasonable cost. As noted above, the study will also look at the issues of offering an optional defined contribution plan and allowing employees to opt out of making their employee required contributions. The study will examine how such changes might affect the solvency, funding, mission, and structure of the WRS. Wisconsin law provides that benefits already earned cannot be modified. No legislation has been introduced and, to our knowledge, no decision has been made to implement either of the two features mentioned above. Any such changes would have to be approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, and they could only apply to the accrual of future benefits. The study will be publicly available after it has been submitted to the Governor and the Joint Finance Committee. Reprinted from State of Wisconsin, Department of Employee Trust Funds. Wisconsin Police Journal - 11 THE WPPA’S 80TH ANNUAL CONVENTION May 5 – 7, 2012 Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells Plans are underway for the WPPA’s 80th Annual Convention, which will be held May 5 – 7, 2012 at the Kalahari Waterpark Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. The Kalahari is the largest hotel/resort in the state of Wisconsin. To reserve your room for the WPPA’s 80th Annual Convention, call the Kalahari at 877253-5466 or 608-254-5466 and request the group rate for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Room rates are $109 per night for up to four people per room, for Friday and Saturday nights and to encourage you to stay, the Sunday night rate is $89. A two-room family suite is $189 per night for up to six people. A deposit of one night plus tax is required at the time the reservation is made. PLEASE NOTE: The negotiated room rates are ONLY for WPPA Convention attendees. If you do not register to attend the WPPA’s 80th Annual Convention, you will be charged the going rate – and NOT the WPPA rate. Wisconsin Police Journal - 12 WPPA Convention 2012 Schedule Events and times are subject to change. Friday, May 4 1:00-7:00pm WPPA Directors Committee Meetings 4:30-6:00pm Early Registration 7:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite Saturday, May 5 8:00am-5:00pm Registration 8:00am-5:00pm Exhibits 9:00-11:00am WPPA Board of Directors Meeting 9:45-11:15am Workshops 11:30am-1:15pm General Session I Lunch; President’s Welcome; Executive Director’s Report 1:30-3:00pm Workshops 7:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite Sunday, May 6 8:00-10:00am Presidents Breakfast “A Roundtable Discussion” 8:00am-3:30pm Exhibits 10:00-11:30am General Session II Elections; Financial Report; Audit Report; LEER; CERD; SORD; Retirees Report; Legislative Report; Old Business; New Business Noon-1:00pm Lunch 1:30-3:00pm Workshops 5:00-6:00pm Cocktail Hour 5:30-9:30pm Child Care Provided – Free Movie & Pizza Party (PreRegistration Required) 6:00-9:00pm Awards Banquet/Torch Run Raffle 9:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite Monday, May 7 9:30-11:30am General Session III (Closing) Speakers; Committee Reports (Bowling, Shoot, Golf, Awards, Scholarship, Torch Run, Convention); Old Business/New Business; Door Prize Drawings; Adjourn Convention 2012 RETIREES CORNER By Jerry Vreeland RETIRED Happy New Year. I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday with their family and friends and may 2012 be a great year for everyone. Congratulations to the following WPPA members who have retired from active service. 2011 will go down as a painful memory for all public employees as we suffered greatly. Our fight for our rights and against additional changes continues today. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board claims that it is holding its own in the stock market. We hope December was successful as we really need it for all retirees. The board has also announced that their CEO, Keith Bozarth, is leaving. They will be looking for a replacement and will be hard-pressed to fill Bozarth’s capable shoes. Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds has named its Deputy Secretary, Mr. Robert J. Conlin, the next Secretary of the department. Mr. Conlin is uniquely qualified for the position and offers tremendous experience and leadership skills along with a deep knowledge of ETF’s programs and operations. Rob Marchant was appointed as Deputy Secretary. ATTORNEY GENERAL J.B. Van Hollen The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Crime Laboratory System (WCLS) has a history of working collaboratively with the law enforcement community and using advanced technology and resources to ensure high quality analysis of forensic evidence. This analysis can only occur when lab personnel and law enforcement are well-trained and equipped. As part of our mission, the WCLS provides training on essential forensic processes and principles. In furtherance of this mission, we are updating and expanding our basic field response A study is being made of our pension system to explore converting the WRS to a defined benefit plan and it is due June 2012. Such a change to our pension system would be harmful. Fortunately, the WPPA has already commenced a statewide education and lobbying effort to prevent that from happening. Recall elections are again coming, so be prepared. If you need information, call the Madison office and obtain the correct information so you can make an educated choice. This year, the WPPA convention will be earlier and you will want to get started on your reservations. I would like to see more retirees attending, as your experience and wisdom are extremely valuable to those men and women still within the working ranks. The Bowling tournament is in March and we hope to see many members there as well. It is a fun time for all, and who couldn’t use some peaceful camaraderie amidst the many challenges facing us all? Please consider joining us this year, you won’t regret it. HAVE A GOOD DAY. class for Wisconsin law enforcement professionals. In the past, we offered two classes a year, one at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy in Fort McCoy and one in the Milwaukee area. Based upon your input, we are adding two additional courses this year with classes now slated for Green Bay and Superior. We will expand to other areas of the state as training facilities are secured. These classes are open to law enforcement officers from around the state, but our goal is to provide regional training on a regular basis to reduce travel time and expenses. In recognition of the budgetary pressures on local law enforcement, the classes will be offered free of charge, with a basic crime scene kit provided to all trainees. Baraboo Oliver Burton Onalaska Peter Kroner Brookfield Robert Mekelburg Sauk County Charlotte Campbell Bayfield County Polk County Mark Ledin Milo White Chippewa County Arnold Pehlke Dane County Kevin Hughes Shawano County Susan Eggert Linda Strommen Sturgeon Bay Wendy Rabach Delavan Paula Guadian Two Rivers David Keery Eau Claire Jeffery Leppert Ned Silber William Wisener Vernon County Dan Britton Vilas County Florence County Buddy Slizewski Evelyn Vassar Waukesha County Greenfield Kurt Ziebell Janice Davis Mineral Point Steven Hermanson Negaunee (MI) Gregory Wright Waushara County Sharon Johnson Our goal is to develop the expertise of law enforcement professionals who collect and process evidence at crime scenes. This allows the scientists and analysts at the WCLS to focus on their areas of expertise within the laboratories and to assist at complex crime scenes where specialized techniques and equipment are required. By leveraging the skill sets of both the scientists and law enforcement officers, we can help make Wisconsin an even better and safer place to live, work and visit. If you have any questions, please contact: Nick Stahlke, Crime Laboratory System Training Coordinator, at [email protected] Kevin Jones, Crime Laboratory System Director, at [email protected] Wisconsin Police Journal - 13 A2 C2 A3 C3 C1 B A5 A6 A7 A1 A4 C5 A8 C4 WPPA Merchandise A1. Perfect Time Travel Alarm Clock $16 Gun metal with black imprint, “WPPA Since 1932” Includes batteries and travel pouch. A2. Thermos $15 Gun metal with navy blue imprint, “WPPA Serving Law Enforcement Since 1932” on front. Holds 16 oz. and includes a carrying case. A3. Travel Wallet with WPPA Embossed Emblem $14.00 Includes small atlas, pad of paper, pen, and place for credit cards/cash. A4. Roadmate Auto Set $12 Includes tire pressure gauge, flashlight, and pen in case. A5. Zippered Portfolio with WPPA Embossed Emblem. Small 9x7 $14 Large 10x13 $23 A6. WPPA Patch $3 A7. Leather Calendar Cover with WPPA Embossed Emblem. $10 A8. Cooler $15 Sage green with white imprint, “WPPA Since 1932” on front. Zippered pocket on outside with handle on top and removable carrying strap. B. Baseball Cap $17 Adjustable cap with WPPA embroidered logo. Available in navy blue and tan. Wisconsin Police Journal - 14 Clothing C1. Men’s & Women’s Long-Sleeve Easy Available in light blue or white with embroidered WPPA logo. 55/45 cotton/polyester, button down collar, patch pocket on men’s style only. Men: M, L, XL $35 XXL $37 Women: M, L, XL $35 XXL $37 C2. Men’s & Women’s Short-Sleeve Polo Available in white or sage green with WPPA embroidered logo. 100% cotton, white polo has tan trim around collar and sage green polo has forest green trim around collar. Men: M, L, XL $40 XXL $43 XXXL $45 Women: M, L, XL $40 C3. V-Neck Wind Shirt Navy blue and gold with WPPA logo embroidered on left side. 100% polyester with a jersey lining and mesh insets. Left side seam zipper, pocket on each side, and drawcord hem with toggle. Adult: M, L, XL $41 XXL $43 XXXL $45 C4. Replica of a Ford Crown Victoria Police Squad Car $25 By Gearbox® Toys and Collectibles. Cars have over 60 parts and sequential numbering. C5. WPPA USB Stick with 512 MB memory $15 C6. WPPA Challenge Coin $12.00 Merchandise Order Form Quantity Description Size Price Each Enclose check or money order for the full amount. Sales tax and shipping are included. Total Total $__________________ Mail to: WPPA, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713 Name Address City, State, Zip Daytime Phone Please provide your daytime phone, in case we have a question, and your mailing address for proper delivery. Allow four weeks for delivery. The Contract Continued: In a horrendous display of partisan politics in what should have been a unifying issue, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald’s office called SB 18 an “unfunded mandate” on local governments that “isn’t ready to become law.” These officers, and their families, have given everything in service to the people of the State of Wisconsin. EVERYTHING. Lives are lost, and countless others are shattered. The least we could do for them, on behalf of a grateful public, is to give the survivors the peace of mind of health care. It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask, but the Assembly Republicans apparently believe it wouldn’t be “fiscally responsible.” It isn’t enough to attend the funerals of fallen officers in your districts, or memorial services during Police Week. It isn’t enough to get teary-eyed when the bagpipes play, and to talk about how grateful the citizens of Wisconsin are for this ultimate sacrifice. Your words are hollow, because your actions have broken the contract. To read more Brian Austin articles, check out his blog, Badger Blue, Times Two at http://cops4labor.blogspot.com/. Wisconsin Police Journal - 15 WPPA CASTS A GIANT SHADOW PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Comprehensive, skilled representation in all areas of labor relations provides superior union power. FULL SERVICES • Contract Negotiations • Job security - protection in grievance matters, disciplinary cases and unfair labor practices • Political recognition - on every level of government • Special services Wisconsin Professional Police Association 660 John Nolen Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713 800-362-8838