Several articles have been written in the past explaining the affect politics can have on your everyday work life. This article is no different from the rest, but in this situation, we can really use your support.

Assemblymember Bass (D-Los Angeles) is the sponsor of AB 2754, an important piece of legislature that needs the support of all in public safety. This bill, as written, includes any Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infection as a presumption under workers compensation. California Corrections has stated that approximately two percent of the current prison population is infected with this skin infection. For those of you in patrol, it’s also very prevalent amongst the homeless population within our communities. According to the representatives of CCPOA, a female correctional officer contracted this antibiotic-resistant infection and succumbed to it’s complications within five days. We ask that you please take the time to send a letter to your local representative stating that you wish them to support AB 2754. This bill will not do anything to help stop the disease in any medical form; it adds one more layer of protection to protect you from the risks of working in your chosen profession.

We also request that you take the time to support and vote for the candidates endorsed by the DSA. Our state’s budget shortfalls are going to undoubtedly have an affect on us in some shape or form. So please, take the time to exercise your right and vote for those candidates who will be in our corner when the time comes.

On April 15, your supervisors should have received a memo from the department identifying and listing members of the DS unit who currently have balances of Non-FLSA compensatory time in excess of the 40-hour high watermark. You should have been contacted by your supervisor if you fall within this category and advised that any accrued hours over the 40 hour maximum will be lost if not taken (used). The association and department have been advising you that this date (June 30) has been approaching for the last two years, so put your slips in and take the time. I myself am over by 25 hours and do not intend to lose this time.

The new wireless telephone laws go into effect July 1. if you haven’t read the new law, it’s broken down into two separate sections or violations. The first, VC 23123 prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. This section allows you to use a handsfree system to make your calls. The second, VC 23124 applies to minors and is very strict, it states that drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone or handsfree device while operating a motor vehicle.

This as a reminder, because we need to practice using of one of the many handsfree devices currently on the market. We, as public safety, need to set the example for the community and practice what we preach. It’s going to take some time to pry the phone away from some of you, but I firmly believe that calls from concerned citizens who saw you taking on the phone (with phone in hand) while driving are not what your supervisors are looking forward to.

On the recommendation of the membership chair, a membership amnesty period is going to be offered by the association. This period will begin this month and last for sixty days. We firmly believe that in order to have a strong association, we need as many of those who are non-members to join and provide their input for the betterment of all. We ask that you, the membership, help us reach out to those members of our department who are not part of the DSA team. Non-members will receive a letter explaining the benefits of the amnesty and offering each individual the opportunity to join. I know we will never have 100 percent membership, but if all they’re going to do is complain from the sidelines, then it’s no ones fault but their own.

We are fully aware of the issues concerning the perception that the removal of corporal status from deputies—whose only deficiency is that they fell out of favor with those who can make the decision to reinstate them— is on the rise. Another topic of discussion with the department will be the current practice of ordering a deputy to produce a doctor’s note after calling in sick. A few first line supervisors are bypassing the required visible “pattern of abuse” that is the quideline to justify the order.

May is the month we honor those whom have paid the ultimate price for keeping the peace. Take a moment and in your own way give thanks to these men and women. Feel free to include our troops, for they too deserve the tribute. Lastly, take some time to wish your mom a very happy Mother’s Day. You only have one, and when she’s gone, there is a void.
Take care, stay healthy and be safe. 