whistleblower

Today’s signing of SB 1235 into law by Governor Jan Brewer signaled a new day for law enforcement officers throughout the state.  A late amendment to this bill provides that a law enforcement officer from municipalities can be protected under the state’s whistleblower law from disciplinary action by their department or city personnel director should they disclose information related to a violation of law or a gross waste of money or an abuse of authority by their employer.

In the past reporting such incidents could land the employee in serious hot water and could subject the employee to disciplinary action by the employer.  With the signing of this bill officers who make such a report and who are subsequently disciplined by their employer make seek redress through their city or town personnel board. 

This amendment was sought by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) due to recent actions by City of Phoenix Police management personnel against members of their association who were targeted by retaliation for disclosing bad business practices.

Tracy, and her two boys, Christopher and Kyle, were adopted by the members of GLEA this Christmas.  The single mother works with a few off-duty officers at Fry’s Grocery Store and supports her two boys, including one with special needs. On December 21st, GLEA members and their “Blue Santa” delivered much needed clothes and toys for the family, along with a food gift certificate to make sure they had a nice Christmas meal.

“When you meet Tracy, you know she has a great heart and would do anything for her two boys,” states Justin Harris, President of the Glendale Law Enforcement Association.  “It was very fulfilling for Glendale police officers to make sure a Glendale family received special Christmas gifts for the holidays.”

This was the first GLEA Adopt-a-Family Christmas project, but it will not be the last.  GLEA plans to do this every year for a special Glendale family in efforts to further a positive rapport with our community.  “It is important that law enforcement build lasting relationships with our Glendale children.  They should always know we are here for them, now and later in life,” adds Harris.

GLEA’s mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for our members through effective representation with local, state, and national governments.  The organization is currently the largest association representing active Glendale Police Officers.

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