As we approach the end of 2024, I’m filled with a sense of pride and anticipation for what lies ahead. Our organization has achieved remarkable successes this year, and we stand on the cusp of even greater opportunities to shape the future of law enforcement in California and nationally. I want to highlight three critical areas that we need to focus our attention on: PORAC’s upcoming annual Conference, the importance of being an active participant in our democracy and a legislative outlook ahead of the start of next year.
Strength in Unity: PORAC Conference
I cannot stress enough the importance of attending our 72nd annual Conference of Members, taking place November 21–23 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. This isn’t just another event on the calendar; it’s a vital gathering that shapes the direction of our organization and, by extension, the future of law enforcement in California and nationwide. Remember, PORAC is a bottom-up organization, and your voice matters in steering our course. By actively participating, you are influencing the decisions that affect your daily work, career and public safety. And on the advocacy front, the stronger our collective voice, the more impact we have in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
This year’s Conference will feature top-notch training sessions and speakers. We’ll hear from Sarah Creighton, a retired San Diego Police Department assistant chief who will share invaluable insights on designing your next chapter after retirement — a must-attend session for anyone considering life beyond the uniform. We’ll also welcome Mark Sikorski and Gino Stumpo from UBS, who will provide expert guidance on smart investing for your association and effective financial preparation for retirement. This will be a great kickoff for our dedicated Treasurers 101 class, the first of its kind for police unions.
Additionally, we’re excited to offer training on crucial topics such as workers’ compensation and the ever-present social media. These sessions are designed to enhance our skills and adapt to evolving public safety needs.
Beyond the formal sessions, Conference also provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with association leaders from across the state. These connections are invaluable, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaborations that will have an impact year-round.
To secure your spot at this pivotal event, please visit the PORAC website and register by November 10. Show up and make your voice heard. This is where the rubber meets the road for our organization’s future.
Your Vote, Our Future
As we approach the upcoming election on November 5, I want to emphasize the importance of your participation in the democratic process. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility, especially for those of us dedicated to public service and safety. It is vital that we elect leaders who will listen to those of us on the ground so they can understand the impacts of their policies and how we can work together to improve public safety for all.
I urge you to review PORAC’s endorsements in our interactive voter guide on our website at PORAC.org/2024-voting-guide. It is super simple: just enter your address and you’ll receive a comprehensive list of all the races you’re eligible to vote in, along with PORAC’s endorsed candidates. As you may know, candidates in our guide go through a rigorous process to earn this endorsement — including filling out a comprehensive questionnaire and attending chapter meetings. This tool is designed to help you navigate the complexities of local and state elections with ease.
PORAC’s engagement doesn’t end at the ballot box. Regardless of the election outcomes, PORAC remains committed to working with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Our mission to improve compensation, benefits and working conditions for our members transcends party lines and individual races. We will continue to be a strong, rational voice for law enforcement, advocating for policies that enhance public safety and improve our profession.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Legislative Session
As we look toward 2025 and the beginning of our next two-year legislative cycle, it’s clear that we are in a different position than we have been in years past. There’s a palpable sense that the legislative environment in Sacramento is shifting. For too long, many of our elected officials have been out of step with the values and priorities of everyday Californians. Time and again, statewide initiatives have demonstrated that voters support commonsense public safety measures. The pendulum now appears to be moving closer to the center, with an increased emphasis on reason and logic in policymaking — and I am cautiously optimistic for what’s to come.
This change presents a clear opportunity for law enforcement to transition from the defensive posture we were forced into in years past to a more proactive approach aimed at collaboratively improving public safety in California and nationally. Our goal for the upcoming legislative session is clear: we need to capitalize on this shifting tide to advocate for policies that truly reflect the will of Californians. This means pushing for legislation that enhances public safety and supports the profession of law enforcement while addressing the root causes of rising crime, holding criminals accountable and tackling the recruitment and retention issues we face.
As we’ve seen in our recent legislative successes, when we stand united and make our voices heard, we can achieve remarkable things. The path forward may not always be easy, but with your support, I’m confident that we can make significant strides in creating a safer California for all. We encourage you to stay informed about legislative developments by regularly checking our website and subscribing to our legislative updates email list. Your engagement throughout the year is crucial to our success.
Happy Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving. In our line of work, we often sacrifice time with family and friends to keep our communities safe. To those working through the holidays, your dedication does not go unnoticed. For those able to take time off, I hope you can take this opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy quality time with those who matter most. Your commitment to serving our communities, especially during these times, is truly commendable.
I look forward to seeing each of you at Conference. It’s always a highlight of my year to connect with so many dedicated professionals who share our commitment to law enforcement and public safety. Let’s make this year’s gathering our most impactful yet. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our profession and the communities we serve.
Stay safe, stay engaged and let’s continue to make a difference.