One of the groups we at POAM work with most is the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Michigan (DSAM). For those unfamiliar, DSAM is an organization dedicating to fighting for the rights of all deputy sheriffs across Michigan through legislative means.

This relationship is the main focus in the latest POAM Podcast Radio Show, which features POAM Director of Member Services Ed Jacques, DSAM President Matt Van Liere and DSAM Legislative Directoor Brian Earle. POAM and DSAM have worked together on several issues throughout the years while fighting for the rights of police officers and deputy sheriffs simultaneously. But unlike POAM, DSAM is not a union organization. It’s purely focused on dealing with legislative issues. Being the Legislative Director, Earle works primarily in Lansing on legislation that protects the rights of deputy sheriffs across Michigan.

The most recent issue they collaborated on was H.B. 4059. If this bill is passed, it will disallow any union-related work from being down while an law enforcement agent is on duty. This bill would severely limit the capabilities of officers to deal with serious situations that require union involvement in a timely manner.

One of the issues DSAM is currently working on is drafting stand-alone legislation that will allow counties to adopt the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, which provides a “standard for for traffic laws designed to facilitate traffic flow and reduce traffic crashes.” When the MVC was originally drafted in the 1950s, it left counties out of the legislation. This new legislation will allow counties to adopt the MVC, which will better enhance traffic safety within their jurisdiction.

If you are a deputy sheriff and are interested in joining DSAM, you can find all the appropriate information on its Facebook page or website. If you are joining independently of your sheriff’s department, it costs $25 per year as opposed to the $20 per year if an entire department joins. If you have any questions about how POAM and DSAM work together or issues they’re involved with, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Head over to POAM's website to listen to the Podcast:

http://www.poam.net/podcasts/2012/poam-and-deputy-sheriffs-association-work-together-to-fight-for-deputies-rights/

YOU MUST COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MICHIGAN SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING HOUSE BILL 4059 IMMEDIATELY!

Republican Representative Marty Knollenberg has sponsored H.B. 4059 which would amend the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) and prohibit public employer contracts that pay union officials for time conducting union business. H.B. 4059 bans the use of negotiated release time for union officers and outlaws any on-duty actions between local leaders and the administration, including contract negotiations and critical incidents.

This legislation saves local municipalities next to nothing. As you well know, release time for local union presidents is rarely used and an absolute necessity to the law enforcement profession. Asking officers to perform life-threatening duties that demand split-second decisions and not allowing those officers, especially when involved in a critical incident, to seek guidance and/or representation from their local union leaders is an insult. In many cases, administration officials and local union leaders can resolve important issues on the spot, avoiding costly arbitrations. Permitting early involvement and engagement helps build employee morale and is a good business practice. Release time is collectively bargained at the negotiating table and is not forced on the employer.

DSAM and POAM are requesting that you be proactive and send a personal letter, e-mail or make a telephone call to your legislators and let them know that this is another strike against Michigan police officers. We encourage you to communicate your own feelings on the subject, but you can also highlight and copy the letter drafted below.

Hit this link to find your local Michigan Senator