NTC Spring 2007 Update

Vice President John McDougal and I attended the Fall 2007 National Troopers Coalition  Conference September 24-25, 2007, that was held in Portland, Maine.

 The following presidential candidates were invited to address the various Troopers Associations from across the Country, representing over 40,000 troopers. 

 Rudy Giuliani -attended and addressed the NTC Board speaking on issues relating to Law Enforcement which included the previous success that New York Law Enforcement accomplished during his leadership as Mayor reducing the crime by 56% within New York City. Rudy Giuliani additionally spoke about the immigration problem that our Country faces with solutions being addressed with technology, increased border protection, and the implementation of an ID program. Rudy Giuliani also recognized the role that State and Local Law Enforcement plays with the constant threat that our Country faces with terrorism recognizing that we are not only the First Responders but the First Line of Prevention for what is occurring within our neighborhoods.

 Mitt Romney- A representative attended on his behalf speaking about the issues of Iraq, advising that we must achieve our goals prior to departing the Country of Iraq. That Mitt Romney is a business man and wants to build a strong economy and is looking for tax cuts. And most important were the Family Values that he stands behind. 

Barack Obama- Chose not to address the NTC, even though he was within the City limits of Portland, Maine and right down the street from the meeting location.

 Hillary Clinton- Chose not to attend but did provide a written response to the NTC Board. Sen. Spoke about her previous support with issues such as providing the resources needed, family benefits, and wanted to commend all that we do for the public.

John McCain- Did not respond.

Fred Thompson- Did not respond.

Bill Richardson- Did not respond.

John Edwards- Did not respond.

  Legislative Update of issues relating to congressional legislation relating to Law Enforcement:

       Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 (HR 980)

            This legislation would provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. It would direct the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine whether a state law provides specific rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including granting them the right to form and join labor unions and have these unions recognized and bargained with by public safety employers. It assigns the Authority the responsibility of overseeing and arbitrating union bargaining. However, it would also prohibit public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes.

 Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2007 (S 376 and HR 2726)

             This act would amend the federal criminal code to include Amtrak and executive branch police officers as qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons. It would also amend laws pertaining to the certification of retired law enforcement officers for carrying concealed weapons, including reducing the required length of service that these retired officers would need to get state certification to carry concealed weapons from 15 to 10 years.

 Public Safety Officer Family Health Benefits Act (HR 2391)

             This act would allow an individual who is a family member of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty to enroll in an approved federal employee health benefits plan as an individual or for self and family. It would specify both the individual’s and the government’s contributions toward the enrollment charge.

State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act of 2007 (HR 388 and S 499, related to HR 3440)

             This act would set the due process rights of a law enforcement officer who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing. The act requires that each agency adopt a written complaint procedure and investigate complaints no later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint regarding an officer. Furthermore, it establishes the rights of officers being investigated, including the right to be notified at least 24 hours before questioning, the right to counsel, the right to questioning only at reasonable hours, and the right to refuse a lie detector. It would also ensure that an officer would be able to engage in political activity, except while on duty, or to run for or serve in an elective office.

     A related act, has the majority of the same language but also sets forth more specific requirements for the initiation of an investigation of a law enforcement of a law enforcement officer, interrogations, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, and the confidentiality and protection of officer personnel files.

Cops Improvements Act of 2007 (HR 1700 and S 368)

             This would allow grants to cover the hiring and training of intelligence, anti-terror, and homeland security law enforcement officers. It would also give the Attorney General funds to improve local law enforcement by hiring school resource officers to better partner state and local law enforcement agencies to combat crime, gangs, and drug activities. The COPS program would hire former members of the Armed Forces as career law enforcement officers, especially in areas adversely affected by a recent military base closing. The act would increase the amount of funds available for technical assistance from 3% to 5%, specifying the amounts available for hiring officers and prosecutors and for technology grants.