NAPO CALL TO ACTION

NBC's Homicide: Life On The Street Cancelled
Write A Letter Today!

Claiming economics, NBC Entertainment executives announced that Homicide: Life on the Street has been cancelled after seven seasons. The hour-long drama is filmed in Baltimore, MD, a short drive from the NAPO headquarters in Washington, DC. Celebrities from the program have been true friends to NAPO's TOP COPS Awards® ceremony. Richard Belzer, who plays Detective Munch, emceed the ceremony for the last four years, and Yaphet Kotto, who plays Lt. Al Giardello, has been an awards presenter. NAPO items were a regular part of the set.

While Homicide ranked 60th among all the network shows in prime time this season, it has long been a favorite in the law enforcement community. Throughout the past decade, it was routinely selected as the favorite show by newspaper critics.

NAPO urges your association and all of your members to write to NBC today asking them to reverse their decision immediately. Have your friends and family send letters as well, the more letters the better! John Walsh, host of America's Most Wanted, who spoke during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial's Candlelight Vigil last week, noted that his program was also cancelled once. Walsh thanked the law enforcement officers in the audience for taking part in a letter writing campaign that sent over 200,000 letters to FOX executives who rescinded their decision and renewed the program. Let's do the same for Homicide, write to:

Mr. Scott Sassa, President, NBC West Coast, 3000 West Alameda Avenue #350, Burbank, CA 91523

Homicide has completed 122 episodes, enough to sell in syndication. Court TV has already purchased the program's repeats. The show's creator, Tom Fontana, had expected the possibility of cancellation, so the final episode will "kind of tie a lot of things up…I've been through cancellation before, when I worked for 'St. Elsewhere'. It's like a death in the family," said Fontana.

1999 Legal Rights & Legislative Seminar A Huge Success!

NAPO's Annual Legal Rights and Legislative Seminar continues to be a great success. This year, it took place in Washington, DC, April 24-28, 1999, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.

Various topics were discussed during the seminar, including: the perspective of an arbitrator in disciplinary and grievance hearings, as well as interest arbitration; "Civilian review boards: Why do they not work? Why are officers wary?"; "Public Safety Organization Fund-Raising: How to Protect Your Organization"; the "U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division's Pursuit of 'Pattern & Practice' cases"; "Violations of Privacy Rights of Law Enforcement Officers"; and a 1999 update on the "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)." Also covered during a legislative briefing were updates on mandatory social security, public pensions, collective bargaining, right to carry for law enforcement officers, law enforcement scholarships, Police Officers' Bill of Rights, and Crime Bill/COPS II.

NAPO ended its 1999 Legal Rights and Legislative Seminar with the annual presentation of NAPO's Congressional Awards. This year's honorees include Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Representative Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO), Representative James E. Rogan (R-CA) and Representative Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ).

Congressional honorees were chosen for their dedication and commitment to legislative issues affecting law enforcement. Congressmen Rogan (R-CA) and Rothman (D-NJ) were recognized specifically for their co-sponsorship of the "National Assistance for Police Officer Safety Act of 1999". Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Representative Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO) were recognized for their stance in opposition of mandatory Social Security for public employees.

NAPO also presented Craig Floyd, Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund with our annual donation (photo enclosed) This year NAPO was proud to contribute $6,000. An annual donation from NAPO was also mailed to the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) for $7,000. "NAPO is proud to have a part in maintaining the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial," said Robert T. Scully, NAPO's Executive Director. "NAPO worked for the successful passage of the legislation for the Memorial and served on the site selection and inscription committees. Throughout the years, it has remained one of our top priorities. NAPO, through its members, has raised over $1,000,000 for the Memorial," continued Scully.

REMINDER: MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR'S LEGAL RIGHTS & LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, May 9-13, 2000, (planned in conjunction with Police Week). For more information, call the NAPO office at (800) 322-6276.

100,000^th New Community Policing Officer Funded By 1994 Crime Bill

On May 12, 1999, NAPO praised President Clinton for announcing federal funding of the 100,000^th new community policing officer from the 1994 Crime Bill. NAPO strongly supported the passage of the 1994 Crime Bill that established the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program five years ago.

It is NAPO's position that the initiative to put more cops on the street, to promote community policing and to fight crime should be continued. NAPO told the President that, "On this landmark day of having the 100,000^th new community policing officer funded, both the public and the law enforcement community recognize the benefits that they have received from this program."

One of the benefits we've seen from the President's program has been a significant drop in the nation's crime rate. NAPO supports Clinton's appeal to Congress to expand the program by adding 30,000 to 50,000 additional officers. While the drop in the nation's crime rate is certainly a sign of progress, NAPO urges Congress to continue giving law enforcement the tools it needs to do the job - including more officers on the beat. In a recent poll conducted by NAPO, 85% of registered voters think Congress should pass new legislation that extends the current grants for police officers employed under the 1994 Crime bill. NAPO will lobby members of Congress to support the President's plan to add another 30,000 to 50,000 new community policing officers to the street. NAPO will continue to keep you updated on the status of the President's proposal.

NAPO Submits Testimony To House Judiciary Committee On H.R. 1659, "National Police Training Commission Act Of 1999"

The "National Police Training Commission Act of 1999," H.R. 1659, was introduced by Congressman Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) to create a commission to study and report on police policies, practices, training and strategies. Among other items, the commission would study the use of force, non-lethal force, tactical/defense efforts, arrests, searches, handcuffing, verbal communications, vehicle use, and community relations.

NAPO submitted testimony to the House Judiciary Committee on May 12, 1999, stating our opposition to this commission being granted any authority to make recommendations which could lead to the federalization of training policies, practices and organizational strategies at the state and local level. If passed into law, this commission could be a very real impetus for passing national policing standards. NAPO will continue to lobby against this bill, which has been introduced as a weak legislative fix to what the media is portraying as an epidemic of police misconduct. The bill is also biased in favor of management and does not take into account the views or experience of rank and file police officers. For a written copy of the testimony, contact Mike Troubh, legislative assistant, at the NAPO office (800) 322-6276.

NAPO Thanks Subcommittee On Criminal Justice Oversight, Senate Judiciary Committee For Holding Hearing On Dickerson Case

On Thursday, May 13, 1999, the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice Oversight, Senate Judiciary Committee, held a hearing to review the Justice Department's past refusal to defend the law allowing voluntary confessions to be admitted into evidence in federal cases. The U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, recently found the provision unconstitutional in United States v. Dickerson. In its statement to the subcommittee, NAPO urged the Administration, specifically the Justice Department, to uphold its obligation to defend this law. Refusal to uphold this law could result in the dismissal of charges and thus, will contribute to the non-prosecution of dangerous felons. NAPO will continue to be involved with this issue and is waiting word on whether or not the U.S. Supreme Court will decide to accept the case for review.

312 New Names Added To Memorial

Three hundred and twelve new names were added last week to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. One hundred and fifty-six belonged to federal, state and local officers who were killed in the line of duty in 1998. The other names were officers who were killed in the line of duty during previous years, but were only recently discovered by Memorial researchers.

Of the 156 officers who were killed in 1998, 63 were shot to death; 48 died in automobile accidents; 15 were struck and killed while outside of their vehicles; nine died of job-related illnesses; seven drowned; four were killed in motorcycle accidents; four died in aircraft accidents; and six died from other causes. This year's additions bring the total number of names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to nearly 15,000, dating back to the first law enforcement fatality in 1794 - a U.S. Marshal named Robert Forsyth.

Fifteen thousand survivors, officers and friends attended the Memorial's Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 1999. NAPO took part in the ceremony during the reading of the names of officers who were being added to the Memorial. On May 14, 1999, NAPO sponsored the breakfast for Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) seminar and had the honor of opening the seminar. This is the seventh year that NAPO has sponsored the breakfast. Nearly 2,000 survivors were in attendance. That evening, NAPO marched in the National Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Parade and memorial service.

"Public Safety Medal Of Valor Act" Passes House Of Representatives

H.R. 46, the "Public Safety Medal of Valor Act," introduced by Congressman Bill McCollum (R-FL), passed the House of Representatives on April 13, 1999. If eventually enacted into law, it would create a National Medal office within the Justice Department to run the program and an 11-member review board that would solicit and review nominations for the medals. Members of the board would be appointed by the President and by Congress to four-year terms. It is estimated that the program would cost $250,000 annually. The bill passed 412-2, and is awaiting Senate action.

Police Departments Warned Of Car Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning police that a wiring change on patrol cars can deactivate a safety device that ensures the cars will not surge forward when officers shift out of park. Some departments inadvertently deactivated the shift lock by modifying the brake lights to flash on Ford Motor Co. police cars and vans when the overhead police lights are being used. Vehicles that have had this modification could present a "safety risk."

Is This Trash At Your Hometown Video Store?

When Cops Attack is a low budget video that attacks police officers and is filled with lies and misleading commentary. Video retailers should not be carrying this tape for rentals to the public. By doing so, they are encouraging disrespect to law enforcement officers across the country. Please notify Jody Couser, director of communications, at the NAPO office immediately (800) 322-6276 if your hometown video store is carrying a video entitled When Cops Attack, for a letter writing campaign that NAPO is launching to all video retailers that carry this anti-cop video.

Welcome Aboard!

The Ashland Police Association, representing 25 officers, from Ashland, Massachusetts recently affiliated with NAPO. Their president is David Morrell. Please join us in welcoming them to our organization! Their address is 137 Main Street, Ashland, MA, 01721.

Announcing New Sergeant-At-Arms

Marty McKean, NAPO's longtime Sergeant-At-Arms, has resigned his position as an elected officer. President Scotto has appointed Skip Murphy, PORAC, as the new Sergeant-At-Arms. He will also replace Marty as the co-chairperson of the Membership Committee. Our heartfelt thanks go to Marty for his many dedicated years of service to NAPO. We look forward to working with Skip in his new position.

NAPO Convention

Have you registered for NAPO's 21^st Annual Convention hosted by the Colorado Police Protective Association, August 11-17, 1999 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Denver, Colorado? The hotel block is almost full, so be sure to make your reservations today. The hotel cut-off date is July 15, 1999. If you need a registration form or additional information, please call Kim Oleson, event coordinator, at the NAPO office (800) 322-6276.

NAPO Notice

Lt. James L. "Jimmy" O'Neill passed away as the result of a heart attack on May 15, 1999 after completing his tour of duty as the 25th District Watch Commander in Chicago. At the time of his death, Lt. O'Neill was proudly serving as the President of PB&PA Unit 156 - Lieutenants and the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association. He was also a Trustee on the City of Chicago Retirement Board Policemen's Annuity & Benefit Fund. For more than 20 years, Lt. O'Neill was a driving force in the police labor movement both nationally and locally in Chicago. He was instrumental in the formation of the first Chicago Police Officers' union and most recently led the fight for union recognition for the Chicago Police Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains. Lt. O'Neill authored numerous articles on police labor issues as well as a book entitled "The Impact of Shift Work on Police Officers." Those wishing to express sympathies are encouraged to make donations to Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Center, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660-1099, (773) 973-6300. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. O'Neill's family and many friends.

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