We continue to feel the lasting effects of the pandemic, however we are slowly getting back to some type of normalcy. With most of the Chapter meetings being online via zoom last year and at the beginning of this year, finally we can now see light at the end of the tunnel; we are now having our chapter meetings in person again. To have our Chapter meetings in person again and to actually see everyone’s faces without masks has been a breath of fresh air.

Unlike last year it has not been quiet for LA South Chapter or Law Enforcement in general. Many of the POAs in our Chapter are in negotiations however, LA South Chapter members have been concerned about AB26 & SB2 and Covid-19 related issues. Two Laws that have been implemented this year have many of us concerned, AB26 and SB2.

Assembly Bill 26 expands Government Code 7286 making Minimum Standards for Law Enforcement Use-of-Force Policies by adding several additional minimum requirements for agencies’ use-of-force policies, which was effective January 1, 2022.

As we know, Senate Bill 2 directs the Governor to establish a Peace Officers Standards Accountability Board by no later than January 1, 2023. The purpose of the Board will be to hear the findings and recommendations from the investigative division and make recommendations on decertification to the POST commission. The Board will consist of nine members serving three-year terms, all but two of whom are appointed by the Governor. We are holding out and hoping Governor Newson will appoint our very own LA South Chapter Director Marshall McClain to the Peace Officers Standards Accountability Board.

Last year, the chapter welcomed its new Treasurer, Adonis Cutchlow, of the Los Angeles Airport Police Supervisors Association who filled our vacant treasurer position. It wasn’t official then but it is now, Congratulations are an order to newly promoted Captain Adonis Cutchlow! In addition, LA South Chapter is represented locally by our distinguished President Brandon Browning of El Segundo POA, Vice President Cheryl Morris of Los Angeles Port POA, Secretary Scot Martin of Redondo Beach POA and our illustrious Director, Marshall McClain, from the Los Angeles Airport POA.

We are proud to be an active part of PORAC’s Fund-A-Hero campaign, which has helped many families struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one or dealing with the stress of fighting serious ailments such as cancer and other diseases. In addition, we continue to assist families of officers who have tragically passed away or are currently fighting serious health-related battles themselves.

Whether providing a donation or spreading the word for a fundraiser, we are honored to be here for our member associations and their families!

We now have both of our wonderfully designed Challenge Coins which can be purchased for $15 on the City of Hope website, with proceeds being donated to City of Hope for cancer research and awareness. Thank you Pink Patch Project for continuing to assist with all the inquiries’ about our Challenge Coins.

The Chapter endorsed many local candidates in various elections over the past year. We are optimistic that the candidates we supported will be successful and appointed to their position(s) in the upcoming November elections.

The Chapter wishes to express its deepest gratitude to President Brian Marvel for his dedication and service to this great organization and its members over the past few years, especially throughout these trying times during the pandemic. We also thank Vice President Damon Kurtz for his dedication, hard work, and leadership these past years. In addition, we also thank the PORAC staff for the outstanding service they provide each day; the support for all PORAC members and their rights and benefits, including active and retired members, is truly appreciated!

Finally, we would like to welcome everyone to PORAC’s 70th Annual Conference of Members in beautiful San Diego! It’ll be great seeing all of our fellow members, both new and old. We wish everyone a wonderful time and, most importantly, a safe upcoming year in 2023!

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the PORAC LA South Chapter.

Cheryl Morris
LA South Chapter Vice President