Doing so increases our chances of getting legislation passed that benefits the entire law enforcement community . For example , at the state level , it took a lot of “ politicking ” to get the Peace Officers Bill of Rights enacted . If you have never reviewed your rights prescribed by state law , peruse A . R . S . § 38-1101 through 38-1120 . This was not achieved because people wanted you to have more rights . It was a challenge on many levels , and ultimately , law enforcement-friendly politicians saw the benefits for us , and we were able to succeed in helping pass this important legislation .
Being politically active at the local level is , perhaps , even more important for our Association . In the past , some City Council members loved the police — so long as it came at half the pay rate and little to no pension . If that were the case , can you imagine the quality of police officers we would have ? Additionally , some former City Council members have advocated to defund the police department in a way that would prevent hiring enough officers to ensure public safety and trust within the community and provide a level of service to our citizens that is second to none . In addition , there were people elected to City Council that didn ’ t support you or the work that you did . Those individuals regularly found reasons to criticize and question your motivations in service to the community . Currently , the majority of the Council supports you as a police officer and recognizes the good work you all do on a daily basis . With the support of pro-police Council members , along with PLEA and the Arizona Police Association ’ s work , we have been successful in turning the majority of Council members into advocates for our hard-working men and women .
Being politically involved is more important than ever considering the climate surrounding law enforcement . I would encourage all members to earmark at least $ 10 per month toward PAC . On a side note , retirees can also contribute to PAC if they so desire . This will assist the effort to get the right people in the right seats to help the law enforcement cause .
Contact the PLEA office 602-246-7869 to find out how to start your PAC contribution .
To make a direct contribution to the PLEA PAC , scan the QR code or visit bit . ly / 460rAx6 .
As always , if you have any questions , call me here at the PLEA office or email me at dkriplean @ azplea . com .
I am not proclaiming that the Association should be running the City Council or state legislature , or that only candidates who offer us unwavering support should be elected . What I am saying is that public safety should be a top priority for our legislators and city government . We , as an association , need to find those like-minded individuals , assist them in their political endeavors , and help them to be successful . Ultimately , this will be beneficial to us . Through the Arizona Police Association , we work with a lobbyist group who is helping us advance pro-police bills at the state level . In addition , we often heed their advice on candidates they have identified ( state and local ) who are pro-law enforcement , and we help support their campaigns . With additional resources , we can be more of a partner to these individuals .
5 • AZPLEA . COM