With the excitement of belonging to the NCSPA you can be very assured that great things are happening right here in North Carolina. The leaders of the Alliance have a track record in getting things done. Andy has been in the forefront for issues facing law enforcement officers each and every day not only through out the state but also in his own back yard in Durham.

Andy has placed his advancement on hold on numerous occasions because he believed in his fellow officers right to be heard. Although he has been told on numerous occasions that his lobby for better benefits and a right to fairness for city employees of Durham Police Department has shot down his future advancement he has continued to be an advocate of the rank and file. His commitment to professionalism in law enforcement has not wavered.

He, along with Rickey Padgett and Randy Miller, drafted and lobbied for the local retirement bill just for Durham city and county law enforcement. This was done with numerous hours and discussions with the late Senator Jeannie Lucas. Jeannie submitted the bill with the urging of the now NCSPA leaders. As the state 25 year retirement bill began to unravel the local Durham option retirement bill has remained intact. It seems that the political leaders of the senate began to back pedal on a 25-year retirement at the state level when the League of Municipalities and the County Commissioners Association applied the pressure of politics.

Other law enforcement organizations were also backpeddling due to some behind-the-scenes pork barrel politics. Unfortunately the Bill proposed by law enforcement was dead in the water before it even cranked up! Your leaders of the NCSPA lead the effort to bring to light the backroom politics and deals going on by other law enforcement organizations, who like to talk the talk, but never seem to walk the walk for the membership they claim to represent.  Senator Snow’s honest effort to get the statewide law enforcement retirement off the ground was met with ugly backroom politics that many did not want to deal with.

Each day we are faced with the cold, hard reality that the politics of the state can be ruthless and that the law enforcement officers are not a high priority. Could it be that because simply no matter how we are treated we will continue to do the best job we can in a very honorable way? Could it be that it is not about the money? Could it be that we just want to be where and when we are needed the most? To put it simply, could it be that we are willing to go where others refuse? Does it really matter what the politicians think or do that affect law enforcement?

Each one of us has a reason as to why we are law enforcement officers. Each officer has to answer those questions on behalf of him or herself. Do you want an organization that protects the lavish lifestyle of organization leaders, financed by the membership, or do you want an organization that protects you, the law enforcement officer, for minimal cost with maximum protection. Other organizations are increasing dues or hiding the increase by sending you a bill with hopes that you will pay it without asking any question to the amount. If you have seen an increase in your latest billing or you have gotten a letter asking you to give more on behalf of charity than you should really examine your paperwork closely. Give no more than what you have agreed on previously.  

An organization which represents law enforcement should never try to require or arm twist the law enforcement membership or pass on the cost for charitable donations without being upfront and clear on what they are doing. Law enforcement officers can be very giving and compassionate in the right type of circumstances. More than anyone else, cops really do know the issues of the community and know where and when they want to donate. We are approaching a time of year when the giving or asking to give increases. This is always a personal decision with no explanation of why you should or should not give. Giving locally is more effective than giving on the national level. Keeping your money here at home is the key to the local success of local programs who, on the other hand, would have to beg for the very funds you donate to the national level.

Beware of law enforcement organizations using tele-marketing like services that do not have to follow the specific state tele-marketing laws. Some organizations hire part time employees to telemarket instead of using contracted services, this creates a loophole that is not applicable to the law.