In order to fulfill their oaths to protect and serve in accordance with the expectations, we place on officers to run towards and not away from dangerous situations, qualified immunity grants legal protection for officers who, despite acting in accordance with the law and following their training, are constantly opening themselves up to legal liability. This protection allows officers to make critical split-second decisions without having to stop and think about the possible legal ramifications. Read More
PORAC Responds to Incendiary Protest Comments by Representative Maxine Waters
On the heels of a week-long protest in Minnesota following the tragic death of Daunte Wright and as the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd continues, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ comments urging protesters “to get more confrontational” risk inciting violence and increasing the already deep divide between peace officers and those they serve. Read More
PORAC Policy Platform – Charting a New Path Forward
The following policy platform outlines PORAC’s immediate recommendations for how we can work together with activists, elected officials, interested stakeholders, and our communities to achieve the objectives. Read More
PORAC President Brian Marvel’s Written Testimony For The President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice
In his testimony, President Marvel stressed the need for a collaborative approach to reform that builds a two-way trust and respect between law enforcement officers and their communities. Only through a truly multi-faceted dialogue can our country realize the best public safety outcomes. Read More
Federal Senate and House Judiciary Testimony from PORAC
House Judiciary Testimony Senate Judiciary Testimony Click to read each one in full Read More
PORAC’s Letter on the Importance of National Standards
As the nation reels in response to the death of yet another unarmed black man while in police custody, we share the devastation and downright anger of the protesters who are peacefully assembling across the country. Read More
Advocating For Our Members On COVID-19
PORAC recently sent out multiple letters to our elected leaders in the State as well as the Federal government to advocate on behalf of our members during the COVID-19 crisis. Read More
PORAC Opposes the First Step Act
As longtime opponents to AB 109, Proposition 47 and 57, it would be inconsistent to now support a federal version of these bills. PORAC relayed our concerns to those involved in the crafting of this legislation and the advocates have taken some steps to improve the bill. Yet, a number of serious felonies, including violent crimes, are still eligible for early release. Read More
PORAC Voter Guide – November 2018
PORAC evaluates candidates and issues each election cycle and votes to support or oppose initiatives and to endorse candidates or incumbents in the Legislature. We often conduct personal interviews. Read More
May 2018 – DOJ Federal Grant Application Alert
The DOJ has recently opened several new grant applications. Find out how to apply and about all the deadlines. Read More
March 2018 – DOJ Federal Grant Application Alert
The DOJ has recently opened several new grant applications. Find out how to apply and about all the deadlines. Read More
PORAC Testifies in Support of Reauthorizing Violence Against Women Act
PORAC President Brian Marvel submitted testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 20, 2018, in support of Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Read More
Opioid Policy Steering Committee
The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on questions relevant to FDA’s newly established Opioid Policy Steering Committee (OPSC) and how FDA can or should use its authorities to address this crisis. Read More
PORAC Testimony on Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing relating to Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis. PORAC is pleased to share that Congresswoman Mimi Walters submitted our prepared testimony for the record and referenced PORAC in the hearing. Read More
Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Spending Bill Passed By Congress
PORAC is pleased to report that the Fiscal Year 2017 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress today generally maintains—and in some cases increases—funding for programs that support the efforts of law enforcement. Read More
The Final Push Before the Recess
DARRYL NIRENBERG Partner JASON ABEL Of Counsel EVA RIGAMONTI Associate Steptoe & Johnson LLP Appropriations Earlier this year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) expressed their intent to pass all 12 appropriations bills — legislation that funds the individual government agencies and their programs — before […] Read More
Congress Takes on Appropriations and Opioids
FEDERAL LEGISTLATION Congress Takes on Appropriations and Opioids DARRYL NIRENBERG Partner JASON ABEL Of Counsel EVA RIGAMONTI Associate Steptoe & Johnson LLP As Congress returned from its Memorial Day recess, both the Senate and the House continued on appropriations bills and addressing the opioid epidemic. Appropriations Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has committed to […] Read More
LEGISLATIVE DAY on May 3rd
The annual Legislative Day at the State Capitol is an opportunity for PORAC’s leadership to meet and strategize with decision makers who support law enforcement issues and work on legislation important to PORAC and its members. [shareprints gallery_id=”4945″ gallery_type=”blog” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”large” image_padding=”4″ theme=”light” image_hover=”popout” lightbox_type=”slide” titles=”true” captions=”true” descriptions=”true” comments=”true” sharing=”true”] Read More
Lawmakers Address Law Enforcement Needs as Summer Approaches
DARRYL NIRENBERG Partner JASON ABEL Of Counsel EVA RIGAMONTI Associate Steptoe & Johnson LLP May started slowly on Capitol Hill, with the House and Senate in recess during the first week. But when the session resumed, lawmakers continued to address matters that PORAC members raised during last month’s successful fly-in, including encryption, digital security, […] Read More
2016 CALIFORNIA MEMORIAL CEREMONY Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
On May 1 and 2, officers, families and law enforcement supporters from across the state gathered at the Capitol in Sacramento for the 40th annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. The solemn and moving event honored the four officrs killed in the line of duty in 2015 (plus one from a prior year), as well […] Read More