Fraternal Order of Police

MASTER DESIGNATIONS & DTOs PROGRESS MADE ON LABOR MANAGEMENT FRONT
May 17, 2013

Greetings,

On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, President Owensby and I attended a meeting with the Director of Public Safety regarding the pending contractual matters related to the Master Designations and the Detective Training Officer program.
I am happy to report we made significant progress as a result of this meeting.  As you are aware, an agreement was previously reached with the City to create and fund the Master Patrol Officer and Master Detective designations.  This was part of the package that was voted upon and accepted by our membership for the current labor agreement 2011-2014.  In addition, a newly formed Detective Training Officer (DTO) program was also created within the contract.  However, through various administrations within DPS and the Chief’s Office, these provisions have not come to fruition.
Fortunately, with Director Riggs’ leadership and his commitment to agreements made in good faith the department is now moving forward with these provisions.  As a result, the Director has ordered DPS and IMPD Executive Staff to form an efficiency team to complete the final work on the Master Designations with the following requirements:

• Review the provisions agreed upon in the current labor agreement with FOP Lodge #86
• Implement the master designations no later than the 3^rd quarter 2013

Secondly, the Director has ordered DPS and IMPD Executive Staff to review the provisions of the DTO contractual clause and complete all necessary work by August 1, 2013.
The FOP Labor Management Committee was immediately notified of this development and we will continue to participate in the review and implementation phases of both programs.  This is a great example of labor and management working together.  Although these components have been significantly delayed, a satisfactory conclusion appears to be on the horizon.
I want to thank all of those who have contacted the FOP regarding these matters.  Your patience and commitment to honoring our contract is appreciated.  Finally, we should all extend our gratitude to the FOP Labor Management Committee for their diligence and tenacity regarding this matter.

Fraternally, Rick Snyder, 1^st Vice President

RAISES ON THE WAY THIS SUMMER, MUCH WORK STILL TO BE DONE

Last night, (05/07/2013) the Rules and Public Policy Committee of the Indianapolis City County Council heard the fiscal impact study related to the contractual amendment for our 2013 salary and benefits.  As you are aware the proposal was passed by our membership with over a 90% approval margin.

Subsequently, we have operated under the following new provisions:
Effective July 1, 2013, there will be a 3% increase in the base salary and from January 1-June 30, 2013, there will be no out of pocket increase for officers in their health insurance premiums over the 2012 rates.

Throughout this year, many members have repeatedly asked if we were still going to receive the 2013 increase.  The answer is YES and this was solidified with last night’s vote.  By the rules of procedure, the matter does not require a vote by the full council and is therefore binding and in effect.

Our membership spoke decisively and overwhelmingly regarding this matter and your FOP has worked diligently to see this matter through to its conclusion.

However, our work continues.  As we outlined the night of our vote in December 2012, it is now up to elected officials and Indianapolis citizens to address funding deficiencies in public safety…we have done our part.

In the interim, the FOP turns our attention to our 2014 agreed upon contractual increases and our lead negotiator, Danny Overley, has been instructed to pursue this matter.  Additionally, our lodge leadership team will be launching a series of discussions and presentations related to our severely understaffed police department and our dwindling numbers through attrition and lack of hiring.  Much work lies ahead of us and your FOP is positioned to move forward.  Please maintain your commitment to our community through your hard work and dedication.  AND, if you have not been to an FOP meeting for a while, Get to One!!  If you attend regularly, bring a co-worker.  The upcoming months will require a united organization, committed to our collective goals.

Fraternally,

President William Owensby

INDY FOP VOTES TO RESCIND LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR BISARD

VIOLATION OF TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY TO MEMBERSHIP CITED 

INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday 05/02/2013, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 voted to rescind legal assistance for David Bisard.  At the conclusion of the membership vote, the Indianapolis FOP issued the following written statement:

“The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 completed a Regular Business Meeting this evening (05/02/2013) in which the recent arrest and allegations concerning David Bisard were discussed.  During the meeting a vote was completed by the body of the Lodge regarding the current status of his legal assistance from 2010.  As a result, legal assistance for David Bisard was rescinded by the membership of the order due to his recent personal conduct which has reflected discredit upon the lodge.  David Bisard will now be responsible for all legal fees and costs moving forward.

“This step should not be interpreted as a position regarding Mr. Bisard’s guilt or innocence related to any of the pending allegations.  Instead, it represents a steadfast commitment to the trust and responsibility amongst our other 3,000 active and retired members.  We want to take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the Wells, Weekly and Mills families.  Our organization prays for their comfort, as well as for the members of the Bisard family, during these difficult times as our City attempts to move forward.

“The Indianapolis FOP holds a strong belief in due process for anyone accused of a crime, whether a citizen, an elected official, or a police officer, including David Bisard.  A fair and impartial review of alleged criminal activity is critical to our system of justice.  Therefore, we do not expect to have any further statement while these matters are adjudicated.”

                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDY FOP REACTS TO THE ARREST OF DAVID BISARD

LODGE EMPHASIZES FACT FINDING AND PRESCRIBED PROCESS

INDIANAPOLIS – On Saturday 04/27/2013, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 learned of the Saturday afternoon arrest of David Bisard.

In response to the public announcement of the arrest, the Indianapolis FOP issued the following written statement:

“The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 was disappointed to learn of the recent arrest and allegations concerning David Bisard.  The Indianapolis FOP holds a strong belief in due process for anyone accused of a crime, whether a citizen, an elected official, or a police officer, including David Bisard.  A fair and impartial review of alleged criminal activity is critical to our system of justice.

“The two alleged crimes against David Bisard filed by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office are separate and distinct.  With that said, David Bisard will not receive legal assistance from the Indianapolis FOP for the latest incident.  Based upon the facts, he is ineligible to receive it.

“However, given David Bisard’s most recent arrest, the FOP Executive Board will be meeting today to review the facts of this latest incident to determine any impact this may have on any previous obligations the FOP has with David Bisard as a member of this Lodge.

“The collective body of the lodge has a regularly scheduled business meeting this Thursday 05/02/2013.  We expect this latest development will be discussed by our overall membership.  The leadership of the Indianapolis FOP acts in accordance with the direction of our membership.  Therefore, we do not expect to have any further statement until the conclusion of Thursday’s business meeting.

“Our city’s police officers are professionally trained and held to the highest of professional standards.  These prescribed measures are in place and they should be followed based upon facts and due consideration.

“In the interim, we ask for our community’s continued support of our police officers while they continue to proudly serve our city and keep us safe.”

INDY POLICE RATIFY REVISED PAY SCHEDULE

FOP PRESIDENT STRESSES THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN PUBLIC SAFETY FUNDING

INDIANAPOLIS –On Wednesday (12/12/2012), the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 announced the ratification of a proposal to revise the pay schedule for police in2013. The measure was approved by 90% of those voting.

The proposal calls for deferring the previously agreed upon 3% pay increase to July 1, 2013.The original contract scheduled the increase to take effect January 1st. In the interim, the City of Indianapolis will cover any increases in an officer’s insurance premiums until the raise takes effect. Additionally, the revised plan has no other conditions placed upon its acceptance.

In response FOP President, Bill Owensby issued the following written statement:

“Our members have spoken decisively and overwhelmingly. We have taken another step to balance the stability of our community with the contractual protections for our police professionals. We now call upon our elected officials and the Citizens of Indianapolis to engage in a detailed conversation about the deficiencies in our public safety funding structure. In April, our FOP put forward a Ten Step Stabilization Plan which proposed solutions for many of these problems. It is now time for the Mayor, the Council, the Director of Public Safety, the Sheriff, the Prosecutor and the Courts to step to the forefront and begin the necessary work to ensure our revenue streams match the demands placed upon our public safety agencies.”

“In the interim, we remain focused on our current and future budgetary challenges that threaten the safety of our citizens as well as our combined community policing efforts. We stand by our FOP Ten Step Stabilization Plan which includes several cost saving measures and identifies greater efficiencies without sacrificing the safety of our community.”

“We remain committed to assist in this budgetary process. Our membership continues to strive for excellence in their chosen profession and simply seek the tools, equipment and proper support to achieve our community’s goals.”

INDY FOP SHOP WITH A COP LARGEST IN NATION

POLICE BRING JOY TO INDIANAPOLIS YOUTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

INDIANAPOLIS –This holiday season the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86 will help bring smiles, warm clothing and toys to children within the metro community through their Annual Shop With A Cop® Event.

This year’s main event will be held on Saturday December 8, 2012. Children will arrive at the Landmark Theatre located at 6102 N. Rural at the Glendale Mall at 8 am. They will then travel to the Wal-Mart located at 7325 N. Keystone Avenue where they will also have lunch and be greeted by Santa at 10 am.

After completing fundraising efforts throughout the year, the FOP is putting thousands of dollars back into the community by bringing Christmas cheer to over 400 Indianapolis youth.

“The members of FOP 86 are committed to protecting and serving the Indianapolis community,” said Rick Snyder, First Vice President of the lodge. “That also means helping children and their families during times of difficulty.”

Every December, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86 sponsors an Annual Shop With A Cop® Event.

Each year police officers from 15 different agencies unite to take needy children from all over the Indianapolis community and spend the day with them.  The day begins with each child being picked up in a police cruiser; a movie theater is reserved where they enjoy a movie. Then the children are taken by the police officers to Wal-Mart.

 On the way to the Wal-Mart the children ride in a procession to the store. At the Wal-Mart, the children enjoy a meal, shopping, and a special visit with Santa. Upon returning home, the children are given a backpack containing personal hygiene products, gift certificates and coupons, along with a food basket for the entire family.

The FOP has also adopted local shelters and the Villages (the largest foster care placement organization in Indiana) this year.

Last year a seven year old little girl was overheard saying, “Because of the police, I get to have a Christmas this year.”

“That’s why we do what we do,” explained FOP President, Bill Owensby.

For Immediate Release 12/04/12

Your FOP and the City of Indianapolis have reached a tentative agreement regarding salary and benefits for 2013. The proposal is as follows:

From January 1-June 30, 2013, there will be no increase in health insurance premiums over the 2012 rate. The city will absorb that increase for those dates. You will pay the 2012 rate.

Effective July 1, 2013, there will be a 3% increase in your base salary.

Also on July 1, you will begin to pay your health insurance at the 2013 rate. 

There will be informational meetings on Monday, December 10^th at 1500 hours, and Wednesday, December 12^th at 1100 hours at the FOP.

Additionally, you will be able to vote for this Memorandum of Understanding Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Dec 10,11,12) from 0900-1700 hours at the FOP.

I would encourage you to attend the informational meetings to have your questions and concerns answered instead of relying on information from another source.

IFD will be voting on the proposal on the same dates as we will.

Fraternally, President Bill Owensby

Open enrollment insurance informational meetings for Retired Members, who are currently on the city insurance plan, will be held at  FOP #86 on the following dates:
Wednesday, October 17, 2012, from 1530-1630hours
Monday, October 22, 2012, from 1430-1530 hours

For the Retired Members who are on the Trust Plan, informational meetings will be held:
Thursday, November 8, from 10A.M. to 12:00P.M. (noon)
Wednesday, November 28, from 2:00P.M. to 4:00P.M.

Open enrollment dates for retired members currently on the city insurance plan will be from October 24 to November 2, 2012.
Open enrollment dates for retired members on the Trust Plan will be from October 15 – December 7, 2012.