Strength in Unity: A Year of Progress and Promise
As we embark on a new year, I’m reminded of the unwavering strength that defines PORAC — our strength in unity. This isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s the fundamental principle guiding us through countless legislative battles, policy discussions and advocacy efforts on behalf of our members and our profession. This guiding principle culminated in a historic moment I had the honor of witnessing firsthand: the signing of H.R. 82 in Washington, D.C.
A Historic Moment in Washington
Last month, I had the privilege of traveling to our nation’s capital for a momentous occasion: the signing of H.R. 82 by President Biden. This bill, which PORAC has championed for decades, represents a significant victory for public safety professionals across the country. The atmosphere in the White House was electric, filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
As I stood among colleagues and lawmakers, I was struck by the power of collaboration. This achievement wasn’t the work of one person or organization, but the result of tireless efforts by many over a long period of time. This moment brought to mind a quote by President Reagan, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” On that day, it was a testament to what we can accomplish when we stand united.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the elected officials who supported this bill. Their commitment to righting a decades-long wrong and ensuring that those who paid into the system receive their fair share in return is commendable. This victory belongs to all of us — a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and teamwork.
Leadership and Collaboration
As PORAC’s president, I’m proud to lead an organization that values working together to advance a common goal: protecting the rights and benefits of public safety officers. True leadership, as I shared at our recent Conference, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions and working together to find solutions that benefit us all. A rising tide lifts all boats. This requires doing the work, day in and day out.
This commitment to finding commonsense, practical solutions to public safety problems has delivered real, measurable results for our members and the communities we serve. PORAC remains the preeminent voice of law enforcement here in California, and increasingly at the national level. We know best that our voice is strongest when we stand together. This allows us to consistently deliver a powerful, unified message to protect working conditions, improve public safety and bolster the integrity of our profession. As I always say, we are about good policy, not headlines.
Legislative Victories
A prime example of our effectiveness is our successful opposition in 2024 to Senate Bill 50, the misleadingly named Stopping Malevolent Altercations Regarding Traffic Stops (SMART) Act. This was not at all an example of smart, data-driven policing. The legislation would have severely restricted peace officers’ ability to conduct traffic stops for various vehicle code violations, including improperly displayed license plates and nonfunctioning lights.
Through strategic advocacy and coalition-building, we prevented this dangerous legislation from advancing — protecting both officer and public safety without fanfare or headlines. Our victory in defeating SB 50 was strengthened by our ongoing work to challenge flawed data and assumptions about law enforcement practices.
Data-Driven Insights
Last month, PORAC released a white paper authored by Dr. Brian L. Withrow, one of the nation’s leading experts on racial profiling, that exposes the fundamental flaws in the RIPA Board’s methodology and data collection process — the very type of incomplete analysis that often leads to misguided legislation like SB 50. This research is part of our ongoing commitment to providing evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions.
In 2024, PORAC also published several other significant reports. We released a decriminalization timeline covering violent crime trends between 1985 and 2021, demonstrating the impact of overreaching criminal justice reforms on public safety; a police staffing issue brief that directly spelled out how we got here and the consequences of these ongoing shortages; and a brief reaffirming the value that school resource officers (SROs) provide in schools to promote a safe learning environment for students across California and provide peace of mind for parents. These resources are all available on our website at PORAC.org/research.
PORAC’s research initiatives underscore our dedication to using data and empirical evidence to drive positive change in law enforcement practices and policies. Rather than focusing solely on growing our membership numbers, PORAC prioritizes meaningful, impactful work that directly benefits our members and the communities we serve. By grounding our advocacy in robust research, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted voice in public safety discussions and ensure that our efforts lead to real, measurable improvements for law enforcement professionals.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we’re reinforcing our commitment to the basics that have made PORAC exceptional. We’re strengthening active communication with our members, expanding our research initiatives to provide data-driven insights, enhancing member benefits, and building stronger coalitions with our partners across the West Coast and nationwide.
Remember that when we stand together, our voice becomes stronger. When we act with unity, our impact grows. When we support each other, we all succeed. This isn’t just about being part of an organization — it’s about being part of a movement that’s dedicated to advancing law enforcement professionalism and public safety.
As your president, I remain committed to making sure PORAC puts its members first and fights tirelessly for your interests. The challenges we face may evolve, but our strength in unity remains constant. Together, we will continue to protect and serve our communities while advancing the law enforcement profession.
Thank you for your continued trust and dedication to PORAC. Here’s to a year of working together, supporting each other and strengthening our shared mission. We are PORAC.