Marty Bandemer President

Paul Stewart Vice President

Donna Latouf Secretary-Treasurer

Cheryl Smith Sergeant at Arms
 
DETROIT POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Office Phone Number 313-567-8770
Office Fax Number 313-567-7875

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
2008

A NEW AND IMPROVED WEB SITE WILL BE UP AND RUNNING SHORTLY/STAY TUNED FOR THE GRAND OPENING

ACTION ALERT 

C.O.P.S. Trust Enrollees – C.O.P.S. Trust has pushed back the October 1, 2007 implementation date of the Supplement Reimbursement Account (SRA).  C.O.P.S. Trust as well as the DPOA  was sued by the city.  The city’s lawsuit was filed in the latter part of September 2007.  The city is claiming in effect that the SRA is illegal.  The trustees pushed back the October 1, 2007 date so they could have the trust counsel analyze the merits of the litigation.  The DPOA will be filing the appropriate motions in court within the next few days in an attempt to have the city’s lawsuit dismissed against the DPOA.  The city’s lawsuit is simply meant to deny those police officers enrolled in C.O.P.S. Trust access to the SRA even though it does not cost the city a single penny.   The DPOA is reviewing all possible means for a resolution of this matter as soon as possible.  We will continue to update you as events unfold in this matter.   

Status of Insurance Litigation  – The DPOA grievance challenging the city’s insurance LBO is scheduled for a second day of hearing on October 24, 2007.  The DPOA’s grievance claims that the city failed to provide an open enrollment before implementing its LBO.  The DPOA grievance seeks reimbursement for all officers whose “premium” went up without an opportunity to pick the insurance plan of their choice.  The DPOA grievance also objects to the city’s LBO since it does not provide definite criteria as to how the “premium” is established; the city’s use of illustrative rates; in addition to other factors which make the city’s insurance LBO invalid. 

The DPOA has also filed an Unfair Labor Practice against the city contending the city’s insurance LBO as implemented  violates MERC law.  The city continues to refuse to provide information regarding their insurance LBO.  The DPOA has been forced to file yet another Unfair Labor Practice against the city because of its refusal to supply information.  The city has turned over some of the insurance information requested due to the ULP.  The DPOA has not received all the information needed and required to be provided by the city.  A hearing will be scheduled before MERC over this matter.

City Litigation  – The city filed a counterclaim in the ongoing retiree litigation against C.O.P.S. Trust regarding the SRA and its funding.  The city filed another lawsuit against C.O.P.S. Trust and the DPOA again attempting to stop the implementation of the SRA.  The city has filed a grievance against the DPOA claiming the SRA violates the contract.  The city has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against C.O.P.S. Trust regarding the SRA contending it violates Michigan law.  Finally, the city has filed an Unfair Labor Practice against the DPOA charging that the SRA violates the Act 312 decision.  As you can see, the city is taking every action imaginable to stop the SRA.  The DPOA is aggressively fighting all the city’s claims and will seek reimbursement for expenses caused by the city’s litigation.  If you have any questions, please contact the union office at 313-567-8770.


 

Advice of Rights

If your are being asked questions which could result in discipline, be sure to do the following:

1. Request the right to have your union representative with you before answering any questions, and do not volunteer information before speaking with your union representative.

2. Make sure you are ordered to answer the questions.

3. Keep your answers to the point and very accurate. Be completely truthful in your answers. Do not speculate.

4. Do not volunteer to take a polygraph examination or drug test.

5. If your are told you are facing a criminal investigation, refuse to answer any questions until you have spoken with an attorney or a union representative.



IF YOU ARE QUESTIONED ABOUT AN OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING OR THE USE OF FORCE

1. Do not answer questions or write a report unless you are ordered to do so. An order to answer questions means your statement and the fruits of your statements cannot be used to criminally prosecute you.

2. Immediately request the presence of your attorney or union representative. Have the union representative or your attorney present when all questioning takes place.

3. Remember that the statements you make to your union representative may not be privileged; statements you make to your attorney are covered by the attorney-client privilege.

4. If you need to talk to a doctor, psychologist, or minister, do so.