August 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry a firearm for self-defense throughout the ordinary course of daily life. In Wolford v. Lopez, 609 U.S. ___ (2026), the court, by a vote of six to three in an opinion authored by Justice Alito and joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett, struck down a Hawaii statute that made it unlawful for licensed concealed carry holders to possess their weapons on private property open to the public absent the owner’s express consent. (This is commonly known as the “vampire rule” because mythical vampires cannot enter a premises without an express invitation.) The court held that such a law imposes an unconstitutional burden on the right to bear arms. Our firms filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court on behalf of PORAC, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP) and the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), urging the court to reverse the Ninth Circuit. Read More

Across the country, law enforcement agencies are increasingly integrating animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs into wellness initiatives. What was once viewed as a simple morale booster is now being recognized as a legitimate early intervention strategy with many science-backed benefits. As a former cop and a current handler of a certified therapy dog, I have been fortunate to witness this shift firsthand. I am increasingly being asked to present on both the science and implementation of therapy dog programs within first responder environments, and one thing has become abundantly clear: these programs work best when agencies understand three key concepts — nomenclature matters, dog acquisition can happen through multiple pathways and therapy dogs should be viewed as a bridge to care rather than the entire wellness system. Read More

On August 4, tens of thousands of law enforcement members across the country, including PORAC members and their local associations throughout California, will participate in National Night Out, a time-honored tradition that brings peace officers and their communities together to promote partnerships, foster camaraderie and enjoy activities that help make neighborhoods safer places to live and work. Held annually on the first Tuesday in August (and on the first Tuesday in October in Texas and several other areas), the event features officers, along with fire and emergency services personnel, collaborating with their jurisdictions to host fun-filled gatherings such as block parties, festivals, barbecues and other events featuring safety and K-9 demonstrations, informational booths and seminars, youth activities, vehicle and equipment displays, exhibits and more.
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