FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
 
Earlier today, using the NOPDALL function of the City of New Orleans email network, Captain John Thomas of the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau, sent an email entitled "Interview Conduct", addressing the actions of NOPD officers and civilian employees as they may relate to the ongoing Federal Investigations.
 
Believing the original email may be misconstrued by some officers, the Fraternal Order of Police, after consultation with the Police Association of New Orleans, forwarded a proposed clarifying email to Captain Thomas.  Captain Thomas graciously agreed to send out the clarifying email, again using the NOPDALL function of the City's email system.  The final version of the clarified email reads as follows:
 
"ATTENTION****CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION ****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION

"I am sending this e-mail to clarify my previous email on Interview Conduct:

"The Bureau Chief or Commander of the New Orleans Police Department's Public Integrity Bureau, or their designated representative, has the right to order any N.O.P.D. employee to report to the P.I.B. office, or any other location, at any time.  Employees of the department are to comply with such orders, reporting to the cited location, at the date and time ordered, and on time.  Those employees ordered to report on their off-duty hours shall be fairly compensated, as per chapter 52.1 paragraphs 50, 51, and 52. However, the Public Integrity Bureau will make every effort to have N.O.P.D. personnel report while on duty.

"The Bureau Chief or Commander of the N.O.P.D. Public Integrity Bureau, nor any other person of authority within the New Orleans Police Department, can compel an N.O.P.D. police officer or other employee to speak with, or submit to an interview with the FBI, or any other investigative body conducting a criminal investigation (in violation of their constitutional rights), against the wishes of that officer or employee.

"When an N.O.P.D. officer or employee chooses to exercise his or her constitutional rights, including the right to seek the advice of an attorney or to decline to be interviewed, that employee will assert those rights in a PROFESSIONAL and RESPECTFUL manner in compliance with the N.O.P.D.'s rules and regulations.

"Sorry for any misunderstanding my first e-mail may have caused. Please feel free to contact Captain Thomas at (504) 235-6573 if you have any further questions or concerns".

The Fraternal Order of Police once again urges our members, if contacted by the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau or the F.B.I. regarding the on-going federal investigations of the New Orleans Police Department, to immediately contact your F.O.P. or PANO representative.  You cannot be forced to give a statement or submit to an interview, and you have the absolute right to obtain the advice of, and be represented by, an attorney.
 
FOP members should contact Jim Gallagher at (504) 442-4050, or FOP Employee Representative Donovan Livacarri at (504) 905-8280.
PANO members should contact the PANO office at (504) 942-2454.

MEETING REMINDER

Our December 2009 FOP meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Our Lady of the Rosary School Cafeteria, located at 1342 Moss St.  Entrance and parking is available off Esplanade.

Dinner will be served at 6:30PM, and the meeting will begin at 7:00PM.  Chef John Schluter will be serving pork roast with roasted root vegetables along with green beans and a salad.  The dessert will be cherries jubilee.  As always, liquid refreshment will be available throughout the evening. 

This is our annual Christmas meeting.  All members are encouraged to invite a guest to dinner.  Our FOP Chorus will be singing Christmas carols and Santa Walter Powers will have gifts for the ladies.

COVER ARTICLE ADDENDUM

Stephanie Landry, Director on NOPD Personnel, requests that the following information concerning Injured on Duty and Workers' Compensation be shared with our members:

Whenever a police officer is injured while responding to an emergency call (Code 2), that information should be included in the First Report of Injury.  The Fraternal Order of Police will be petitioning the Civil Service Commission to include the "while responding to an emergency call" language in the I.O.D. standard at the Commission's December meeting.

Police supervisors are reminded that the First Report of Injury form must be delivered to the NOPD Personnel Division within 72 hours of the incident.  Many police injuries are initially misclassified because the First Report of Injury is not available to Personnel and Civil Service in a timely manner.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WORKS!!!

The following is a collection of news articles concerning collective bargaining for public safety officers that have appeared in our nation's newspapers during the past weeks:

From the Mesa, AZ East Mesa Tribune (11/19/2009)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

University of New Orleans Police Department is currently seeking an experienced law enforcement officer to fill a vacant Police Investigator position.  Starting salary: $37,632.00 and excellent benefits.

Minimum qualifications: Ten years experience in law enforcement in  a major city or university setting with at least two of those years in an investigative position.  Extensive and thorough knowledge of the Louisiana Criminal Code, Municipal Code, and State and Local Traffic Codes.  The ability to conduct major investigations of a criminal nature and to conduct the investigations to their conclusion, including writing police reports, conducting interviews and interrogations, collecting evidence, taking statements, making arrests, consulting the District Attorney’s Office, and giving courtroom testimony.

If interested apply online by completing the online application at

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/louisiana/default.cfm .  The deadline to apply is November 26, 2009.   If you have any questions contact Sergeant Steven Day at 504-280-7436.

2010 OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD 

The City of New Orleans Insurance Department has announced the 2010 Open Enrollment Period for October 1 - 30, 2009.  During this period members can update personal contact information,  submit information on dependents, add or drop dependents from coverage, enroll in Flexible Spending and Deferred Compensation plans, and receive information concerning their health insurance coverage. 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS 

The City of New Orleans Insurance Department has also announced a number of Health and Wellness programs open to anyone covered by the City's Healthcare Plan including employees, retirees, and dependents. The Fraternal Order of Police strongly urges our members to participate in one or all of the below programs: 

Cardiovascular Health Screening (see attached flyer) The City of New Orleans is offering Cardiovascular Health Screenings to help avoid stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).  These potentially life-saving tests will be available at no cost to members and dependents during the month of October 2009.  The non-invasive tests, which take about 20 minutes to administer, will be performed in the Basement of City Hall (room BE15).   They require a 2 hour fasting period prior to the screening.  This program is offered through a partnership with CVT Health Screening. Members must make an appointment by calling (866) 660-3699 and must have their insurance card available at the screening. An FOP member informs us that he has taken these same tests from a private physician at a cost of nearly $150.00. 

N.O. to Diabetes This program provides members and dependents with diabetes counseling and monitoring by a licensed pharmacist. 

Weight-Watchers Members will be allowed to enroll in a weight watchers program while at work.  Weekly meetings will be held at City Hall. 

Smoking Cessation Program This free program for all city employees, retirees, and family members includes weekly meetings held by trained facilitators and prescription drug assistance. For additional information on the 2010 Open Enrollment Period, Health & Wellness programs, or other insurance issues you may contact the City of New Orleans Insurance Department at (504) 658-8615.