27th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar, 'Cromnibus' Cleared by Senate, NAPO Attends White House Policy Briefing, Attorney General Holder Announces Stricter Policies to Curb Profiling, NAPO Meets with House Judiciary Committee's Staff, NAPO Attends National Criminal Justice Association Brown Bag, NAPO Voices Concerns Regarding Comprehensive Law Enforcement Review Project, NAPO Attends Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing, Chaired by Senator Durbin, NAPO Attends Roundtable Regarding Body Camera Policy, NAPO Voices Concerns Regarding Comprehensive Law Enforcement Review Project, NAPO Meets with PPOA Leadership, Senator Murray Announces Intent to Take HELP Committee, Help NAPO Generate TOP COPS® Nominations
December 15, 2014
Register Today for NAPO’s 27th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar
Register today for NAPO’s 27th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar presented in conjunction with the Opal Financial Group. The Seminar will take place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 25 – January 27, 2015.
At the 27th Annual Seminar, we're putting the spotlight on key issues, including pension reform and the role of unions in securing retirement, reducing healthcare costs in the midst of new regulations, revising your asset allocation strategy, what we can expect from the new, Republican controlled Congress, the outlook nationally and internationally on realistic projections of earnings and assumption rates, preservation of assets, and much more!
To ensure your spot at this important seminar, please register at your earliest convenience. Information regarding seminar registration may be found by following this link: http://bit.ly/OpalRegistration. A block of sleeping rooms have been reserved at Caesars Palace for NAPO Executive Board Members and registered seminar attendees. Room Rates are $179 weekend/ $129 weekday (tax and resort fee not included). To make reservations, please contact the hotel at (866) 277-5944, and let them know you are with NAPO/OPAL or make reservations online by clicking here: https://aws.passkey.com/g/35437120. In order to receive the discounted rate, please make reservations by December 26, 2014.
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact me or Elizabeth Loranger at (703)549-0775 or eloranger@napo.org.
'Cromnibus' Cleared by Senate
On December 13, 2014, the Senate voted 56-40 to send a $1.1 trillion fiscal 2015 spending package (HR 83) to President Barack Obama for his signature. President Obama is expected to sign the measure, which funds all of the government through the end of fiscal 2015, except for the Homeland Security Department, which is funded on a continuing resolution through February 27, 2015.
The spending package includes the following:
- COPS will receive $208 million.
- The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program will receive $22.25 million.
- The Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program will receive $376 million.
- The Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act will receive $8.5 million.
- The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program will receive $87.3 million.
Many of our members have expressed concerns regarding a recent call to action from a public sector alliance, which reported in error that public pension plans would be impacted by the spending bill. Please note that language in the spending bill pertaining to pensions will NOT impact/make changes to public sector pension plans. The language pertaining to pensions included in the spending bill will impact some multi-employer private sector plans, but will not impact our members. NAPO expects legislation impacting public sector plans to be pursued during the 114th Congress. We plan to continue to work closely with fellow stakeholders to protect public sector plans.
NAPO will continue to urge members of Congress to provide robust funding for our top priority programs. If you have any questions about the spending package, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
NAPO Attends White House Policy Briefing
On December 12, 2014, NAPO attended a White House Policy Briefing. During the briefing, the following staffers provided an overview of the Administration’s priorities:
- Paulette Aniskoff, (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement), provided an introduction.
- Bess Evans, (Associate Director of Public Engagement), discussed the Affordable Care Act.
- Roy Austen, (Deputy Assistant to the President for the Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity), discussed policy that stemmed from recent events in Ferguson, as well as “My Brother’s Keeper.”
- •ulie Rodriquez, (Deputy Director of Public Engagement), outlined the Administration’s efforts on immigration policy.
- Rohan Patel, (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs), discussed climate change.
Most notably, Mr. Austen highlighted the Administration’s $263 million community policing proposal to foster trust between law enforcement officers and the citizens they serve.
The largest chunk of the spending package calls for $75 million to help law enforcement agencies buy body-worn cameras for police via a grant program. The White House estimates a $15 million first-year investment in the program could help purchase up to 10,000 body-worn cameras, with a total of 50,000 cameras covered over the full three years.
The Administration also requested $2 million to support its proposed task force on how to effectively reduce crime while building public trust. The “21st Century Policing” task force will be led by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey and Laurie Robinson, a professor at George Mason University and former assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice. The task force will include law enforcement officials and community leaders. It will work with Justice’s existing Community Oriented Policing Services office and will be tasked with making recommendations within 90 days of its creation.
NAPO will continue to stay engaged with the White House and the Department of Justice to ensure that the rank-and-file perspective is heard loud and clear as proposals related to community policing and immigration proceed.
If you have any questions about this briefing, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
Sources:
Anderson, Joanna. "Obama Seeks $263 Million for Police Body Cameras, Training." CQ.com. CQ, 1 Dec. 2014. Web.
1 Dec. 2014. http://www.cq.com/doc/4581084?1.
Anderson, Joanna. "White House Wants to Fund 50,000 Body Cameras for Cops." CQ.com. CQ, 2 Dec. 2014. Web. 2
Dec. 2014. http://www.cq.com/alertmatch/227379505?0&uid=news-4582260.
Attorney General Holder Announces Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to Adopt Stricter Policies to Curb Profiling
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced December 8, 2014 that the Justice Department will take new steps to bar profiling by federal law enforcement agencies, building upon a 2003 policy that had previously only addressed the consideration of race and ethnicity in conducting federal investigations. The new policy will address the use of other characteristics as well—including national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation—and applies a uniform standard to all law enforcement, national security, and intelligence activities conducted by the Department’s law enforcement components. The new guidance also applies to state and local law enforcement law officers who participate in federal law enforcement task forces.
On December 8, 2014, NAPO Executive Director, Bill Johnson, joined fellow law enforcement groups on a conference call with Attorney General Holder to discuss these new guidelines.
NAPO continues to maintain close contact with the Attorney General to ensure NAPO’s priorities and concerns are considered as new policy is formulated, and we will keep our members updated as new information becomes available.
If you have any questions about this conference call, please contact Bill Johnson at: bjohnson@napo.org.
Source:
"Justice News." Attorney General Holder Announces Federal Law Enforcement Agencies To Adopt Stricter Policies To
Curb Profiling. N.p., 8 Dec. 2014. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-holder-announces-federal-law-enforcement-agencies-adopt-stricter-policies-0.
NAPO Meets with House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations Staff
On December 11, 2014, NAPO joined other law enforcement groups in a meeting with staffers on the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. Notably, the following topics were discussed during the meeting:
- The importance of grant programs to assist law enforcement officers with carrying out their duties, including the COPS Program, Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, and Byrne-JAG Grant Program.
- The announcement of five new Republican members to the House Judiciary Committee in the 114th Congress, including Representatives Mike Bishop (R-MI), Ken Buck (R-CO), John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Dave Trott (R-MI), and Mimi Walters (R-CA). (The House Republican Steering Committee has recommended these committee assignments and they are expected to be approved by the Republican Conference and the full House of Representatives once the 114th Congress convenes in January).
- A discussion on the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. (NAPO will continue to engage members of Congress on this issue to ensure onerous warrant requirements are not added to the law, which would inhibit law enforcement’s ability to keep the public safe).
- Policies related to body worn cameras were also discussed. (NAPO continues to stress the importance of including state and local agencies, as well as law enforcement leadership, in discussions regarding body camera requirements. NAPO looks forward to continuing to discuss this issue with members of Congress as legislation related to body cameras is considered).
We appreciated the opportunity to meet with the staffers, and look forward to continuing to work with them during the 114th Congress.
If you have any questions about this meeting, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
NAPO Attends National Criminal Justice Association Brown Bag
On December 8, 2014, NAPO attended the monthly National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) Brown Bag. The meeting included a discussion on the establishment of the Chuck Colson Task Force, which was announced on December 9, 2014.
The task force includes a nine-person, bipartisan panel mandated by Congress to examine challenges in the federal corrections system and develop practical, data-driven policy responses. Former U.S. Representative J.C. Watts, Jr. will serve as the Colson Task Force’s chair and former Representative Alan Mollohan will serve as its vice-chair.
The Colson Task Force is named for former Nixon aide Charles “Chuck” Colson who, after serving time in a federal prison camp for his role in Watergate, made a commitment to support prisoners and their families through the establishment of the world’s largest family of prison ministries. Task Force members include state criminal justice reform champions; a former federal prosecutor, judge, and defender; and others with critical perspectives.
The Task Force will convene in January 2015 and hold five meetings throughout the year. Its members will identify the drivers of federal prison population growth and increasing corrections costs; evaluate policy options to address the drivers and identify recommendations; and prepare and submit a final report in December 2015 with findings, conclusions, policy recommendations, and legislative changes for consideration by Congress, the Attorney General, and the President.
NAPO appreciated the opportunity to participate in the NCJA Brown Bag. If you have any questions about this meeting, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
Source:
"Former US Reps. J.C. Watts, Jr. and Alan Mollohan Announce Federal Corrections Task Force." Charles Colson Task
Force on Federal Corrections. CCTF, 9 Dec. 2014. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. http://www.colsontaskforce.org/?page_id=23.
NAPO Voices Concerns Regarding Comprehensive Law Enforcement Review Project
NAPO is involved in a comprehensive law enforcement review project. The Attorney General requested the COPS Office to lead the project, with input from a diverse group of law enforcement stakeholders.
The goal of the project is to create a foundational document that provides an overview of key developments and challenges in American law enforcement, focusing on the last fifty years. Last week, NAPO participated in the following teleconference on the project:
- Policy Reform & Implementation: Topics that are being reviewed include: information sharing; federal grant programs; law enforcement and immigration; uniform crime reporting; and the Smart on Crime Initiative.
NAPO is concerned over the direction the project has taken, as we feel that some of the discussions may be objectionable to our members. NAPO has raised these concerns with those leading the Law Enforcement Review. At this time, NAPO has decided that we cannot continue to be part of a project that seems on track to reinforce negative prejudices and stereotypes regarding police officers.
NAPO will keep our members updated as the project moves forward. If you have any questions about NAPO’s concerns about this project, please contact Bill Johnson at: bjohnson@napo.org.
NAPO Attends Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing, Chaired by Senator Durbin
On December 9, 2014, NAPO attended the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights hearing on "The State of Civil and Human Rights in the U.S." The hearing included a detailed discussion on topics ranging from the Smarter Sentencing Act to the 1033 Program.
The witness list included: Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL), Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN), Dr. Cedric Alexander (President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers), Mr. Wade Henderson (The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights), and Ms. Laura Murphy (Director, Washington Legislative Office, American Civil Liberties Union).
NAPO continues to engage members of Congress to ensure the rank-and-file perspective is considered as proposals to modify policies pertaining to sentencing and excess property programs are considered.
If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
NAPO Attends Roundtable Regarding Body Camera Policy
On December 12, 2014, NAPO’s Executive Director, Bill Johnson, attended a roundtable discussion on body cameras, hosted by TASER International. The group discussed activities surrounding the practices and employment of body worn cameras, as well as legislative proposals regarding adoption and funding for body worn cameras.
Johnson joined other law enforcement groups in providing input on proposed policies related to body worn cameras, and viewed a demonstration on body worn cameras and evidence management systems.
If you have any questions about this discussion, please contact Bill Johnson at: bjohnson@napo.org.
NAPO Meets with PPOA Leadership
On December 10, 2014, NAPO met with the Postal Police Officers Association (PPOA) board. NAPO appreciated the opportunity to meet with PPOA’s newly elected leaders, including President Jim Bjork.
NAPO has worked closely with the PPOA to urge Congress to modify the language of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3061, to ensure Postal Police Officers are utilized to their full capabilities. NAPO looks forward to continuing to work with the PPOA during the 114th Congress.
If you have any questions about this meeting, please Bill Johnson at: bjohnson@napo.org.
Senator Murray Announces Intent to Take HELP Committee
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) confirmed on December 12, 2014 that she plans to succeed Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) as the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee next year.
The Washington Democrat currently chairs the Budget Committee and had been anticipated to take the gavel of the HELP panel after Harkin retired, if Democrats retained control of the chamber. With control of the Senate flipping into GOP hands, Murray will serve as the ranking member of the committee while Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) is expected to serve as chairman.
“I will fight as hard as I can to make sure that that the voices, values, and priorities of students, workers and families, are heard loud and clear,” Murray said in a statement.
NAPO will continue to engage the HELP Committee to ensure our members’ needs are addressed. If you have any questions about this leadership change, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.
Source:
Attias, Melissa, and Carolyn Phenicie. "Murray Announces Intent to Take HELP." CQ.com. CQ, 12 Dec. 2014. Web.
15 Dec. 2014. http://www.cq.com/doc/4590285?1.
Help NAPO Generate TOP COPS® Nominations
It is that time of the year again! We are trying to gather as many quality TOP COPS® nominations as possible. With TOP COPS® again taking place in May, we are under very tight schedule constraints.
The 2015 ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, in conjunction with National Police Week. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. The deadline for nominations is January 10, 2015.
Please take this opportunity to nominate a fellow officer. Please also feel free to include the nomination form in your association or department publication or e-mail the nomination form to friends and colleagues by downloading a PDF from our website, www.napo.org. (The form is also attached to the end of this report). Help us ensure that all states and territories are represented at the 22ndAnnual TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony. We appreciate any help you can provide.
** Click Here to Download the Nomination Form ***
If you should have any questions, please contact NAPO’s Director of Events, Elizabeth Loranger, at: eloranger@napo.org.
Please monitor NAPO’s website www.napo.org, and Facebook page: National Association of Police Organizations, and follow us on Twitter at NAPOpolice for breaking news and updates.