A total of 600 delegates representing 113 associations gathered at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert November 21–23 for the 72nd annual PORAC Conference of Members. Attendees elected a new treasurer, voted on bylaw amendments, received updates on PORAC initiatives and benefits, took part in training sessions, met with sponsors and vendors, and networked with fellow peace officers from across the state while enjoying golf and other recreational opportunities in a lush oasis surrounded by lake and mountain views.
Friday, November 22, General Session
The session opened with the presentation of colors by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums. Vice President Ben Therriault led the Pledge of Allegiance and read the names of California’s 2024 fallen heroes, followed by a moment of silence and an invocation by San Diego Police Chaplain Chuck Price.
Keynote Speaker: Colonel Hugh T. Clements Jr., director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and former Providence Police Department chief, shared insights from his 38 years of law enforcement and labor leadership experience. “No one knows our profession better than the men and women out there doing it, and it’s changing every day,” he said. “It’s important to listen to them to help them navigate the incredible challenges that they have.” He described the priorities of the COPS Office — particularly, addressing violent crime, fentanyl and other illicit drugs, international terrorism, and threats to officer safety and wellness — and how it provides support to law enforcement through grants, training and technical assistance, publications and resources. Members can hear more detail from Clements about these programs in a forthcoming On the Job With PORAC podcast episode recorded at the Conference.
Announcements: President Brian Marvel thanked the Conference sponsors for their support and recognized the recipients of the Small Association Awards: Contra Costa DA Investigators’ Association, Dos Palos POA, Port Hueneme POA and San Diego Community College POA.
Election of Treasurer: After the roll call by Secretary Randy Beintema and the vote to approve the minutes from the 71st Conference of Members, Sean McKrell was elected treasurer by acclamation.
President’s Report: Reflecting on the themes of leadership and trust, President Marvel described how PORAC has established its credibility through consistent, direct engagement. The relationships built with elected officials have yielded results: PORAC successfully opposed 86% of the bills it took a stance against this year. “This didn’t happen by accident,” he explained. “It happened because when we speak, legislators listen. They know us. They trust us. They understand that when PORAC takes a position, it’s grounded in real-world experience and concern for public safety.”
Marvel outlined current priorities, including legislative advocacy in Sacramento and D.C., changing the narrative on policing from negative to positive, supporting members in need through Fund a Hero, expanding the trusts and emphasizing the “R” in PORAC by producing original research providing data-driven insights on public safety issues. Looking ahead to 2025, he promised PORAC would get “back to basics,” reinforcing its foundation and reconnecting active member affiliates with the PORAC brand by further enhancing and integrating communications to amplify local messages, expanding research and sharing it in a more digestible format.
After thanking PORAC’s staff, consultants and advisors, leaders and members for their contributions, Marvel concluded, “We’re not just an organization, we’re a family…. We’re not a union but a movement, not just a voice but a force for positive change in law enforcement and public safety.”
Vice President’s Report: VP Therriault emphasized PORAC’s continued growth, with current membership at 82,769 across 963 associations. Explaining that PORAC is a bottom-up organization and participation helps it thrive, he urged all associations to send a representative to attend their chapter meetings. He also highlighted two helpful measures: AB 2561, which allows public employee bargaining units from agencies with a greater than 20% staffing vacancy rate to have a public hearing held by the association; and the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), which provides for release time for union activities, so associations should be sure to negotiate for it. He encouraged members to bring ideas for legislation to their chapter leadership for consideration so the organization can remain at the forefront and go on the offensive for public safety.
Treasurer’s Report: Nick Odenath, attending his last Conference after being promoted to captain at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, reported that one of his major goals as treasurer was achieved on April 30 when PORAC paid its UBS line of credit in full, meaning the organization has no debt and owns its Sacramento headquarters building outright. PORAC’s financials are strong, the Budget Committee has produced its proposed 2025 budget and the Fiscal Management Committee is conducting quarterly reviews of all purchases and reporting the results to the Board of Directors to ensure accountability and transparency. An ad hoc committee developed the PORAC Housing Policy and Agreement, providing clear rules and guidelines for the president and vice president regarding the use of PORAC-provided housing and vehicles. The annual third-party independent financial audit has been completed and found no issues. Finally, Odenath introduced newly elected Treasurer Sean McKrell, whom he has been working closely with to ensure a smooth transition.
Investment Report: UBS Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager Mark Sikorski began by introducing his new business partner, Gino Stumpo. He reported that PORAC’s investments are doing fantastically, up nearly 17% year to date, with invested assets currently over $6,147,000 and the pension protection money market account just under $12 million. He informed attendees that he and Stumpo offer a second opinion service that provides a confidential, no-cost review of associations’ asset portfolios. Stumpo added that the market’s future looks bright, and members can contact them for a complimentary individual retirement analysis to assess their progress toward their financial goals.
Bylaws Presentation: Secretary Beintema provided an overview of the nine proposed bylaw amendments:
- Dues: Changes the dues structure to give PORAC’s governing bodies more flexibility to allocate resources to various accounts to address the most urgent needs of the organization; Pension Protection funds collected through 2024 will be earmarked in perpetuity for that purpose, with additional contributions to the account coming at the discretion of the Executive Board and Board of Directors
- Officers/Board of Directors/Executive Committee: Gives the Statewide Chapter a seat on the Executive Board
- Elections/Appointments: Removes superfluous language
- Elections/Appointments: Facilitates the transition between current elected representatives and their successors at all levels of the organization by bringing the effective date in alignment with that of the PORAC Board, so all officers will take office January 1 regardless of when their elections are held
- Elections/Appointments: Extends the period of time for vacancies in elected offices to be filled and clarifies the succession to the presidency
- Elections/Appointments: Clarifies the appointment of the director who will assume the responsibility of conducting PORAC’s election if the vice president is unable to do so
- Elections/Appointments: Clarifies that the PORAC Election Manual policies and procedures shall apply to any election conducted by PORAC, and grants the Board of Directors authority to amend the Election Manual
- Voting: Codifies the current policy of the organization regarding conflicts of interest for PORAC leaders
- Trusts and Standing Committees: Establishes specific experience levels for appointees to the Fiscal Management and Budget Committees
LDF Report: Chairman Rudy Bojorquez reported that the LDF continues to grow steadily as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, with a current total of 149,333 participants and 1,682 member associations and net assets of $69,696,017. The LDF has paid out benefits of over $14 million this year and a total of more than $250 million since 2007. He highlighted three large, high-profile cases the LDF has been involved in, in Tacoma, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Alameda County.
IBT Report: Chairman Richard Buss introduced incoming Chairman Roger Garcia, who presented a brief history of IBT, an overview of its services and a review of its finances. The Trust continues to grow in both members and staff, with 28 employees and counting. Most notably, in 2025 the IBT will begin administering all aspects of the disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment plans in-house in order to provide the best possible service to members. Association Recruitment and Retention Manager Damon Kurtz provided more details about the transition, noting that there have been some bumps along the way, but they are now on track and expect increased efficiency to result. He acknowledged that market forces have led to the first rate increase since 2018, but explained it could have been much larger were it not offset by the reduction in administrative costs.
RMT Report: Chairman Terry Moore explained the RMT is a way to deposit money to pay for health insurance and expenses when you retire, and outlined the growth of the Trust since its creation in 2008. Today, there are 8,100 participants in 63 associations; the investments have been performing very well this year and the portfolio currently stands at $148 million. He reminded listeners that the RMT provides a triple tax-free benefit (no tax on contributions, interest on earnings or benefits paid), you can roll in sick and vacation leave conversions tax-free, and you can use your benefits on health insurance, medical expenses, prescriptions, dental, vision, chiropractic and long-term care premium payments. Moore addressed the top question he receives about the RMT, explaining that if you leave your job with less than the required five years of active service in the plan, all your contributions will be returned to you. He requested that associations considering joining the Trust let RMT’s legal counsel review their proposed contract language before negotiating and signing the MOU, to ensure they are in line with the complex legal requirements governing the plan.
Specialized Police Associations Coalition (SPAC) Report: Chairman Jim Bock focused on the crucial issue of 4850 time, which provides up to one year of leave for officers injured in the line of duty. Many peace officers are not aware their counterparts in specialized agencies such as colleges, schools and parks are excluded from that provision. SB 1058, which would have corrected this issue, was introduced this past year and passed both houses of the Legislature with no objections, but was vetoed by Governor Newsom because he felt it was something that could be negotiated rather than legislated. SPAC contends that 4850 time is a right that should not have to be negotiated, and that relying on agencies to do the right thing and care for their members is a risky proposition. Bock reported that the legislation will be introduced again after incorporating requested tweaks from the Governor’s Office, and he asked all members to reach out to their legislators to help support its passage.
Training Report: Training Coordinator Cathy Knape presented a review of 2024’s training offerings, which had a total of 410 registrations for 10 classes (up from 350 in 2023) with a 91% attendance rate. Noting that no-shows cost associations nearly $8,000 this year, she reminded listeners to let her know if they will be unable to attend so she can help move their registration to a later class or a different course. She also asked that people use their personal email addresses to register for classes if possible to ensure they receive their confirmation information and course updates. Offering a preview of the schedule for the first half of 2025, she highlighted the new Association Treasurer 101 course and suggested that associations with no classes scheduled near them to consider hosting — there is no cost and they will receive two complimentary seats. Although there will be no Symposium in 2025, Knape said she is already thinking about the 2026 event and urged associations to plan ahead and consider sending at least one member.
Peace Officers Relief and Education Foundation (POREF) Report: Secretary Beintema explained POREF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization funded strictly by donations. However, there has been a nearly 60% decline in the number of associations that make the $40 POREF contribution requested on their quarterly membership invoice. He strongly urged associations to support POREF, noting that all of the money supports PORAC members and fellow law enforcement officers in times of need. The memorial fund contributes to the maintenance of the California monument, donates to Concerns of Police Survivors and provides immediate funds to the families of fallen officers following a line-of-duty death — $10,000 for PORAC members and $2,000 for nonmembers. The relief fund provides support for members experiencing catastrophic events, while the scholarship fund provides grants to children of PORAC members pursuing higher education. Beintema highlighted that applications for 2025 scholarships will be available in December; they are evaluated based on grades, community involvement and an essay, and essays will be scanned with an AI detection program this year to ensure they are the student’s own work.
Mike Pruger provided a reminder about the POREF Open, which has raised more than $75,000 for POREF in each of the last two years. The golf tournament was previously held in conjunction with Symposium, but is switching to a regional hosting system. Region I will host the 2025 event on April 24 at Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside.
Saturday, November 23, General Session
Bylaw Amendments Vote: The nine bylaw amendments were passed as a group by voice vote and will take effect January 1. Secretary Beintema noted that Amendment 4 will require several chapters to amend their bylaws to adjust the date their elected officers take office, and he requested they do so by May 1.
State Legislative Report: Randy Perry of Aaron Read & Associates reported that the election turned out very well for PORAC, with many endorsed candidates and initiatives succeeding. After 2024’s budget deficit that resulted in any legislation with fiscal impact being held, 2025 should be a little better, though there will still be a lot of catching up to do on law enforcement and jail funding and staffing levels. While most of PORAC’s legislative efforts focused on stopping opposed bills, there were also four PORAC-supported bills signed into law this past year. With the Board of Directors preparing to review proposed legislation and set its advocacy agenda, Perry expressed optimism that PORAC would be able to shift from a defensive to an offensive position and get back to some of the issues the organization was founded on, such as pension reform, workers’ comp reform and presumptions. Other priority issues include the reintroduction of AB 2421 (a PORAC-sponsored bill that would give confidentiality to employee representatives), Prop 36 implementation, law enforcement education standards, RIPA reform, Racial Justice Act reform, K-9 standards and prison closures/realignment.
Federal Legislative Report: Darryl Nirenberg and Rowan Bost of Steptoe reported that PORAC had a very good year in Washington, with a number of legislative priorities signed into law and others passing either the House or Senate. PORAC was able to set the agenda by taking the initiative to develop legislative proposals promoting recruitment and retention that have subsequently gained support from national groups, and the West Coast Coalition continues to grow in strength and influence. PORAC and the Coalition were pivotal in advancing the Social Security Fairness Act by strengthening partnerships with other impacted groups and getting several congressional hearings and a massive uptick in co-sponsors. The bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support, and if every member who co-sponsored it votes yes, it could pass the Senate as well. If it doesn’t make it over the finish line this year, PORAC will continue to advocate for it next year. Overall, three bills PORAC advocated for became law, four passed the Senate, eight passed the House and four passed out of committees.
Nirenberg noted that the 2024 election was hugely consequential and showed public safety was a major concern for voters. The new administration and Congress will create fresh opportunities for PORAC to “strike while the iron is hot” and promote its goals in 2025.
Communications Report: Kendall Klingler and Ian Anderson of Fiona Hutton and Associates outlined their objectives to advance PORAC’s state and federal policy priorities, grow its position as a leading voice for law enforcement, expand its value to members and keep members informed about how the organization is working for them. This was accomplished by creating messaging supporting PORAC’s legislative advocacy, including issuing research briefs on decriminalization, staffing shortages and the value of school resource officers. The Communications Team worked to expand PORAC’s presence in the media and provided valuable media relations support for member associations on local topics. The team also enhanced PORAC’s brand and reputation through the On the Job With PORAC podcast and launched The PORAC Perspective, a quarterly newsletter to keep elected officials, key staff, nonprofits and other California leaders up to date on the organization’s activities and issues. Furthermore, they positioned PORAC as a thought leader, showcasing its expertise on podcasts and providing talking points to elected officials speaking on panels about public safety issues.
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Report: National C.O.P.S. Executive Director Dianne Bernhard explained how the nonprofit helps rebuild the shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths, including providing scholarships, counseling reimbursement, free retreats for children and adults, and support for National Police Week memorial events. Noting how the definition of LODDs has expanded in recent years to include officers who have died by suicide and from COVID, she highlighted that C.O.P.S. has a cooperative agreement with the DOJ and can help agencies and survivors navigate the benefits application process under these new programs. She noted one underutilized benefit is that if an officer dies from heart attack, stroke or vascular rupture within 24 hours of going on any call that was strenuous or stressful, they will likely qualify for PSOB. She concluded by thanking PORAC for its ongoing support for the C.O.P.S. conference and golf tournament, training and Police Week events.
California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation (CPOMF) Report: Executive Director Mark Nichols gave an overview of CPOMF’s work in sponsoring the annual state memorial ceremony, maintaining the monument, providing financial assistance to the primary survivors of honored officers, administering scholarships for spouses and children of honored officers, and providing financial assistance to survivor peer support groups like C.O.P.S. — all with no taxpayer funding. In addition to donating to CPOMF via the Peace Officers Payroll Program, the state tax return check-off and the website, he encouraged listeners to attend the memorial ceremonies to show support for fallen officers, their families and the profession as a whole. Noting that PORAC has been affiliated with the memorial since its inception, he thanked the organization for its support, including its participation on the CPOMF Board, sponsorship of the memorial luncheon and boosting attendance at this year’s ceremony through a podcast episode released shortly beforehand.
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Report: Executive Director Manny Alvarez provided updates on training topics including wellness (the three-year program mandated by the Legislature will end in June), adding an active shooter curriculum to basic training (a pilot program began in April and will probably be finalized by next April, with an anticipated minimum mandate of 16–20 hours in the academy), K-9s (POST will soon release an update to its 10-year-old guidelines, including recommending mandating POST-certified in-service training), new professional staff development curriculum and a new regulation encouraging agencies to enforce CPT requirements. He also provided an update on SB 2 implementation, noting that POST has taken decertification action against about 350 individuals, with dishonesty, physical abuse and double DUIs being among the most common issues.
With no further business, President Marvel concluded the session, capping yet another successful Conference of Members and inviting everyone to attend the 2025 event in San Diego.