With an increase in the use of social media including Facebook and Twitter, sworn officers are coming under more intense scrutiny of what they post, which questions whether or not their First Amendment Rights may have been violated.

On Monday, May 6, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia issued an order granting NAPO’s motion to participate as an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) in a pending case called Bland, et al. vs. Roberts.  The Court is one step below the U.S. Supreme Court, and the case involves an issue of free speech by a law enforcement officer and how social media and free speech interact.

CLICK HERE to read the full report.

On Wednesday May 8, 2013, PLEA in conjunction with PPSLA held a joint press conference at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Phoenix to discuss the results of the recent leadership and morale survey that went out to all Phoenix Police lieutenants, sergeants and officers.  PLEA would like to thank each and every person that took the time to participate in this very important survey.  The survey was sent out to 2,912 sworn police employees and 1,722 (59%) of you took the time to respond.  In the world of surveys and statistical research this is a phenomenal rate of return which narrowed the margin of error to +/- 1.5%.

As most of you are already aware, the ongoing battle between PLEA and the City of Phoenix against The Goldwater Institute is continuing. Judge Katherine Cooper of the Maricopa County Superior Court issued an injunction against PLEA and the City for the second time. The injunction was dated 04/08/13 however it was not released to PLEA and the City until 04/23/13.

At issue are the full time release provisions of the contract (MOU). Judge Cooper, in her ruling, granted Goldwater's request for preliminary injunction which enjoins (restricts) until further notice, the following sections of the MOU; Sections 1-3.B, 1-3.C, 1-3.Q of the 2012 - 2014 MOU.

Unfortunately, due to Judge Katherine Cooper's decision regarding the Goldwater Injunction, PLEA Membership meetings scheduled for 7:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (tomorrow) have been cancelled, as none of the six PLEA Board members formerly assigned to the PLEA Office are allowed to conduct union business during their normal duty hours.

The 5:30 pm meeting is still scheduled for anyone wishing to attend.

The PLEA Office is still open for normal membership services as is the 24 hour Officer's Lounge.

PLEA will keep you advised of any changes in the status of the injunction as we hear from the Court, the City, the Police Department, as well as our attorneys.

Pete and Penny Penguin are traveling from San Diego to Phoenix and will be visiting the PLEA Office on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 3:00-4:00 pm.

CLICK HERE for an informational flyer and be sure to bring the kids and a camera!

As you have probably heard by now, this week the presiding judge in the Goldwater lawsuit ignored the fundamental arguments of the case and ruled against your right to effective representation. The court granted the injunction requested by The Goldwater Institute which puts on hold several provisions in the MOU having to do with full time release.

Specifically, the judge disallowed the joint provision in the MOU between PLEA and the City of Phoenix that allows for the full time release of six officers that normally staff the PLEA office even though it is part of the total compensation package negotiated every two years for rank and file officers.

As you have probably heard by now, this week the presiding judge in the Goldwater lawsuit ignored the fundamental arguments of the case and ruled against your right to effective representation. The court granted the injunction requested by The Goldwater Institute which puts on hold several provisions in the MOU having to do with full time release.

Specifically, the judge disallowed the joint provision in the MOU between PLEA and the City of Phoenix that allows for the full time release of six officers that normally staff the PLEA office even though it is part of the total compensation package negotiated every two years for rank and file officers.

As you have probably heard by now, this week the presiding judge in the Goldwater lawsuit ignored the fundamental arguments of the case and ruled against your right to effective representation. The court granted the injunction requested by The Goldwater Institute which puts on hold several provisions in the MOU having to do with full time release.

Specifically, the judge disallowed the joint provision in the MOU between PLEA and the City of Phoenix that allows for the full time release of six officers that normally staff the PLEA office even though it is part of the total compensation package negotiated every two years for rank and file officers.

On April 18, 2013, Judge Susan R. Bolton of the US District Court for the District of Arizona dismissed a lawsuit filed by three Phoenix officers who refused to voluntarily submit DNA in connection with the death of Phoenix Police Sgt. Sean Drenth that occurred on October 18, 2010. The involved officers who were members of the police departments K-9 and Special Assignments Unit (SWAT), responded to assist the investigation in a support capacity after Drenth had been discovered by other police officers.

 

 

On August 4, 2011, Phoenix Police Officers James Spross and Nicholas Pittatsis attempted to contact Mike Alvarez, who was riding his bicycle in a Maryvale neighborhood.  The officers did not know who Alvarez was as they were following him and he tried to evade them by refusing to stop and then riding onto the grass near the lake at Desert West Park.   Eventually, Alvarez got off of his bike next to a home and Officers Spross and Pittatsis chased after him.  Alvarez, who had fallen to the ground along the side of the house, turned over, pointed a revolver at both officers and opened fire.  Officer Spross was grazed in the head and Officer Pittatsis was struck in the arm.