Things are tough, but so are we!

It’s a new year! We have a new and refreshing president. I love the way he has given hope to a nation so desperately in need of some good news. He is the bright light in what so far has been a dismal new year. We keep seeing more and more people lose their jobs. The economy is tanking faster than a mobster wearing concrete shoes. Heck, my 401k account looks like someone has stealing from it. There is a bright light though. All of us employed in the criminal justice system know that as the economy sinks further and further south the criminal enterprise system starts rising. That means there will be a need for us. Some of us along the way may even prosper in this failing economy. But one thing we can count on right now is some semblance of job security.

            It also means that somewhere along the way most of us are going to work harder than we have been. How is that possible, some of you may be asking? Well for one thing most agencies in an attempt to save money will delay hiring new employees. And yes that means we will have to pick up the slack. I bet they also won’t be very willing to implement decent raises this year either. In other words they will ask us do exactly what they have been asking for years…… do more with less. Most of us will find a way to that. I have seen it over and over throughout my years in law enforcement. Our career field is probably the most adaptable career field out there. We as a whole always figure out how to overcome adversity. We are a can do occupation. We have and will do so again. That is one of things that make me proud to belong to this career field. It is people like you, the men and women of the NCSPA, that make this job what it is!

            And like we count on you to deliver in clutch, you can count on the NCSPA to continue to fight for you and your families. We are going to advocate for improvements in the law enforcement community everyday. We are going to ask the leaders of our organizations to give you a better work environment. We are going to ask them to get creative if they can’t come up with money. There are other ways to improve our environment. We are also going to forge ahead with pushing for a buy-down program that will allow our officers to shorten their careers by up to four years. This won’t cost the state one red dime! This is something that makes sense during these tough times. It won’t be easy, but then again nothing usually is when you are trying to change the status quo. But you can count on us to not give up or quit on you. We are committed to earning your membership everyday. We will not take you for granted. The NCSPA is each and every one of you. So keep looking for us to lead the way with new and innovative ideas to improve your quality of life!

Andy Miller, President

NC Sheriff Police Alliance