As most of you know, for the fourth check straight those expecting shift differential back pay didn't receive it.
I spoke to a steward this morning who informed me that for most of you, the county is not going to pay it!
They are back to the,,"if you worked four hours overtime it wasn't your shift."
Of course that wasn't the settlement for the grievance was it?
Welcome to Hennepin County settlements. Many of you wondered why I held to the, "If they violate the contract arbitrate line." This is why. You can't negotiate a compromise to a contract violation. A compromise is a slippery slope and still a violation.
What should you do? Contact the MNPEA stewards, email your MNPEA Business agent Mike Golen at mgolen@mnpea.com.
Demand they hold the line on the agreement!
My band recently released a music video entitled Hold The Line. It's about Hungary holding the line against the so called refugees. I think it applies here. HOLD THE LINE!
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NEWS SITE FOR CURRENT AND RETIRED CORRECTIONS OFFICERS! This blog will keep up on current events affecting Detention Deputies and Corrections Officers. SINCE 2006!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Florida Prison's Can't Keep Staff
An article in Correctionsone.com states they have "hired over 2,200 correctional officers in the last year, but lost another 1,400 to turnover."
and
“Our agency is paying for the training and so they work for our department for two or three years and then leave,” she told the House committee. “The agency is unable to attract and retain a professional and high-quality staff.”
Why you might ask?
The article answers that, "Their review found that the Florida Department of Corrections lost 7,600 officers from 2012 to 2014 and the primary reason was pay."
Sound familiar? Hennepin County pays it's Detention Deputy's at the jail and it's CO's at the workhouse the lowest wages in the seven county metro area.
They can't figure out why there is such high turnover or overtime!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Sunday, September 06, 2015
Happy Labor Day! Joe Hill
Joe Hill
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead,"
"I never died," says he.
"I never died," says he.
"In Salt Lake, Joe," says I to him,
Him standing by my bed,
"They framed you on a murder charge,"
Says Joe, "But I ain't dead,"
Says Joe, "But I ain't dead."
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe,
They shot you, Joe," says I.
"Takes more than guns to kill a man,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die."
And standing there as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe, "What they forgot to kill
Went on to organize,
Went on to organize."
"Joe Hill ain't dead," he says to me,
"Joe Hill ain't never died.
Where working men are out on strike
Joe Hill is at their side,
Joe Hill is at their side."
From San Diego up to Maine,
In every mine and mill -
Where working men defend their rights
It's there you'll find Joe Hill.
It's there you'll find Joe Hill.
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead",
"I never died," says he.
"I never died," says he.
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead,"
"I never died," says he.
"I never died," says he.
"In Salt Lake, Joe," says I to him,
Him standing by my bed,
"They framed you on a murder charge,"
Says Joe, "But I ain't dead,"
Says Joe, "But I ain't dead."
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe,
They shot you, Joe," says I.
"Takes more than guns to kill a man,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die."
And standing there as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe, "What they forgot to kill
Went on to organize,
Went on to organize."
"Joe Hill ain't dead," he says to me,
"Joe Hill ain't never died.
Where working men are out on strike
Joe Hill is at their side,
Joe Hill is at their side."
From San Diego up to Maine,
In every mine and mill -
Where working men defend their rights
It's there you'll find Joe Hill.
It's there you'll find Joe Hill.
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead",
"I never died," says he.
"I never died," says he.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Brooklyn Park Police Department hiring Detention Deputies.
Brooklyn Park PD is hiring Detention Deputies for their lock-up. They start $5 an hour more than Hennepin County and top out higher also. Here's their posting:
| Job Title: | Detention Officer - Patrol Division |
|---|---|
| Closing Date/Time: | Sun. 08/23/15 11:59 PM Central Time |
| Salary: | $23.43 - $30.10 Hourly $4,061.20 - $5,217.33 Monthly $48,734.40 - $62,608.00 Annually |
| Job Type: | Regular Full-Time |
| Location: | Brooklyn Park Police Department - North Station, 5400 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota |
| Department: | Police |
Here's the link to the application and posting:
https://secure.governmentjobs.com/view_job.cfm?JobID=1216143&hit_count=Yes
I hope MNPEA and AFSCME keep this in mind as they negotiate to keep Hennepin County Detention the lowest paid in the metro area, and now even less than small municipalities!!!
I hope MNPEA and AFSCME keep this in mind as they negotiate to keep Hennepin County Detention the lowest paid in the metro area, and now even less than small municipalities!!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Arbitration Date for Brown Leather Grievance
On August 11, 2015 MNPEA asked the chosen Arbitrator, Gerald E. Wallin, for a date for the long over due grievance over brown leather.
Let me be clear. This has dragged out for eight months! I will not accept anything less than an arbitrators decision or a written settlement agreed to by myself and the other two grievants.
Here's a little history for those following at home:
Way back in 2007 the HCSO decided to switch from brown leather to black. According to our contract if the employer changes the uniform in color type or style, the employee pays the first $65 and the employer pays the rest.
The HCSO thought otherwise. We grieved it and it was won, deciding that any still in brown leather could remain in brown. Here's the links documenting that history:
Let me be clear. This has dragged out for eight months! I will not accept anything less than an arbitrators decision or a written settlement agreed to by myself and the other two grievants.
Here's a little history for those following at home:
Way back in 2007 the HCSO decided to switch from brown leather to black. According to our contract if the employer changes the uniform in color type or style, the employee pays the first $65 and the employer pays the rest.
The HCSO thought otherwise. We grieved it and it was won, deciding that any still in brown leather could remain in brown. Here's the links documenting that history:
Black or Brown??
Inspector Cooper's Response Re: Brown Leather
Then, years later the HCSO decided the rest of us who weren't in black needed to switch. Violating the old grievance settlement. Again this was grieved and on Dec. 31, 2014 MNPEA filed for arbitration.
Thursday, August 06, 2015
The 2015 State of the Unions in Hennepin County
This is a look at the State of Public Employee labor unions in 2015 representing Corrections Officers/Detention Deputies' in Hennepin County Minnesota. AFSCME Local 1719 represents the Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility (the workhouse). They are the anchor responsible for holding down the prevailing wage of corrections officers in the Seven County metro area. How?
Rather than having the essential employees, corrections officers, negotiate separate from the non-essentials, they lump CO's in with clerks and negotiate one raise.
Because AFSCME is the largest union Hennepin County has to negotiate with, they settle quick, and then declare a pattern, holding the rest of Hennepin County's essentials to. In reality AFSCME is the only union Hennepin County negotiates with.
The result is that even though Hennepin County is the most populous county in the state, and the downtown Hennepin County jail is the largest in the State, they are the lowest paid in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area along with all of Hennepin County's corrections groups.
Conclusion: AFSCME, rather than bettering the wages of essential members is actually holding them down. This is opposite of what a union should do for organized employees.
Teamsters Local 320. Represents the CO's at the Hennepin County Juvenile Center. Typically settles early with AFSCME also anchoring metro CO wages down.
Teamsters Local 320 was decertified by the Detention Deputy's in the Hennepin County jail in 2011.
When we were with Teamsters Local 320, they actually worked against the dues paying members! Go to, Why we left Teamsters and joined MNPEA for more info. This is why we decertified Teamsters for MNPEA. For a full history read, Teamsters to MNPEA, Lest Ye Forget
Teamsters have also worked against their other members robbing union members of pension benefits. This is the result of Jim Hoffa's poor management along with his cronies from 320, Sue Mauren, and current Hoffa supporter Brian Aldes.
Teamsters Local 320 has a history of meeting with management behind member backs.
Minnesota Public Employees Association (MNPEA). Represents the Hennepin County Detention Deputies and Techs in the Hennepin County Jail and the Hennepin County Dispatch (911). This is by far the largest Correctional Group in Hennepin County, well over 200 members, almost 300 when you add in the techs and Dispatch.
MNPEA has been unsuccessful in overcoming AFSCME and Teamsters race to the bottom for wages. Typically MNPEA gets whatever AFSCME gets.
The Hennepin County Detention Deputies overwhelmingly left Teamsters Local 320 a few years ago. MNPEA promised early negotiations, arbitrations for grievances within four months, low dues and a good legal plan.
In reality the contract negotiations are whatever AFSCME gets, in Hennepin County.
MNPEA is also following the old Teamsters pattern of letting arbitrations die on the vine and the Teamsters Local 320 history of appeasing management. To be fair, there are plenty of step 2 grievance meetings, but if a grievance is unresolved, the promise of arbitration in four months doesn't happen, The result being the employer knows most grievances will just go away.
The dues are low, $39 a month and the legal plan is top notch for anyone in our field.
In summary, organized labor for corrections in Hennepin County is holding down the prevailing wage for all corrections groups in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. All of the Unions tend to try to please management rather than member concerns.
The two largest unions, AFSCME and Teamsters settle contracts quick and MNPEA doesn't have the clout to overcome it. Typically getting locked into the pattern.
What can be done? If AFSCME workhouse members joined MNPEA , AFSCME's pattern would be broken for essential employees. This would force Hennepin County to negotiate with all of the essential groups.
Also MNPEA should aggressively arbitrate contract violations in Hennepin County and get their attention and respect. As always, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is met with compromise and ignored grievances when they violate the contract.
Until any of these happen, expect the largest county corrections groups in the State to have the lowest compensation. Wages will continue to favor management, regardless of being essential, and the contracts will be unenforced, unless it applies to members.
In solidarity,
Wade
Sunday, July 19, 2015
The Annual Star Tribune Overtime Article
Ah yes, time for the annual Star Tribune overtime article where us public employees earnings are aired for all to see.
There are two parts to this expose. If you click on:
Explore overtime pay for metro area public employees
You can type in the name of yourself, or your favorite Sheriff's Office employee and get a 5 year total of their overtime income and what percentage of their total income the overtime amounted to, as well as their gross wages for 5 years.. For instance I made $57,000 in overtime over the last 5 years which amounted to about 15.4% of my income according to the Star Tribune.
The comments in this section are priceless:
Supervon2 says, This is structured by the Unions so their top brass gets the most out of the deal. The Star should show who the highest earners and surprise! They will turn out to be the Union power brokers.
Ah yes, those infamous Union power brokers! Hey dipshit, I mean Supervon2, the overtime is the result of Department of Corrections minimum staffing levels. The more inmates in custody, the more staff MUST by law, be there to deal with them. This isn't Belarus! If there are duty stations that must be filled, they are filled with overtime. If someone doesn't volunteer, someone is FORCED to fill it. Therefore ALL overtime is MANDATORY. If employee A doesn't sign up for it, they or employee B will be forced. At the end of the year no matter how much or how little overtime was worked by one person, the taxpayer will have covered the same amount of hours that year. Quit making employees who volunteer to work longer hours at a dangerous job look like thieves. By the way, it is common to be forced to stay several times a week. Thought you were going to your kid's game or going to that movie? Think again. Your 8 hour shift just became a 12, and you can't leave until you are relieved, so it might get even longer.
jbpaper says, The Strib should do a story on how the overtime effects their pensions and what that will cost the taxpayers in the long run.
I can answer that. It's like most things in life. The more we earn the more we PAY IN! Like Social Security or a 401K, therefore the more we get out. You wouldn't suggest the State take the extra money we pay into our pension would you? Would you?
The other article you can click on is:
Overtime costs soaring at Twin Cities agencies as they struggle toward full employment
This article is an overview of the metro Sheriff's Offices and their various amounts of overtime. Some excerpts of interest are:
Excluding undercover officers, the Star Tribune found that overtime payments in Hennepin County nearly doubled from $2.3 million in 2010, when it accounted for 5 percent of the payroll, to more than $4.5 million in 2014, when it accounted for 9 percent.
The Hennepin County Board has criticized Stanek for his rising overtime bills and hired a consultant from California for $100,000 to analyze personnel spending, which accounts for about 80 percent of the sheriff’s budget. The analyst’s report is due in September.
Let me make a couple of observations. We endured 5 years of wage freezes during the great recession. The cost of living went up, wages did not. How does a wage earner support their family? The American way, we work more hours.
During that time Hennepin County Detention Deputies fell to the lowest wages in our job class in the seven county metro area. When the job market opened up, people left for better paying jobs. As people left, shortages occurred which had to be filled with overtime! That is not rocket science.
What's really fun is to go to Data Mine and type in the name of your favorite high up elected official and see how their salaries went up. For Instance Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek's salary over the same 5 year period covered by the Star Tribune (2010-2014), went from $149,483 to $158,905. That's salary, not wages and overtime.
The County Commissioners had more modest raises over that period. Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat went from $97.194 to $104, 703.
The biggest winners by far were the Minnesota State Commissioners. They got between 20 and 30% raises this year!
Unlike us jailers who earn higher wages with grueling 12 hour shifts, the politicians and their cohorts got big raises for putting in the exact amount of time they always have.
So Supervon2, you just keep looking for the evil Union power brokers and at the men and women putting in long hours, while the people you elect, and the people they appoint, laugh all the way to the bank.
There are two parts to this expose. If you click on:
Explore overtime pay for metro area public employees
You can type in the name of yourself, or your favorite Sheriff's Office employee and get a 5 year total of their overtime income and what percentage of their total income the overtime amounted to, as well as their gross wages for 5 years.. For instance I made $57,000 in overtime over the last 5 years which amounted to about 15.4% of my income according to the Star Tribune. The comments in this section are priceless:
Supervon2 says, This is structured by the Unions so their top brass gets the most out of the deal. The Star should show who the highest earners and surprise! They will turn out to be the Union power brokers.
Ah yes, those infamous Union power brokers! Hey dipshit, I mean Supervon2, the overtime is the result of Department of Corrections minimum staffing levels. The more inmates in custody, the more staff MUST by law, be there to deal with them. This isn't Belarus! If there are duty stations that must be filled, they are filled with overtime. If someone doesn't volunteer, someone is FORCED to fill it. Therefore ALL overtime is MANDATORY. If employee A doesn't sign up for it, they or employee B will be forced. At the end of the year no matter how much or how little overtime was worked by one person, the taxpayer will have covered the same amount of hours that year. Quit making employees who volunteer to work longer hours at a dangerous job look like thieves. By the way, it is common to be forced to stay several times a week. Thought you were going to your kid's game or going to that movie? Think again. Your 8 hour shift just became a 12, and you can't leave until you are relieved, so it might get even longer.
jbpaper says, The Strib should do a story on how the overtime effects their pensions and what that will cost the taxpayers in the long run.
I can answer that. It's like most things in life. The more we earn the more we PAY IN! Like Social Security or a 401K, therefore the more we get out. You wouldn't suggest the State take the extra money we pay into our pension would you? Would you?
The other article you can click on is:
Overtime costs soaring at Twin Cities agencies as they struggle toward full employment
This article is an overview of the metro Sheriff's Offices and their various amounts of overtime. Some excerpts of interest are:
Excluding undercover officers, the Star Tribune found that overtime payments in Hennepin County nearly doubled from $2.3 million in 2010, when it accounted for 5 percent of the payroll, to more than $4.5 million in 2014, when it accounted for 9 percent.
The Hennepin County Board has criticized Stanek for his rising overtime bills and hired a consultant from California for $100,000 to analyze personnel spending, which accounts for about 80 percent of the sheriff’s budget. The analyst’s report is due in September.
Let me make a couple of observations. We endured 5 years of wage freezes during the great recession. The cost of living went up, wages did not. How does a wage earner support their family? The American way, we work more hours.
During that time Hennepin County Detention Deputies fell to the lowest wages in our job class in the seven county metro area. When the job market opened up, people left for better paying jobs. As people left, shortages occurred which had to be filled with overtime! That is not rocket science.
What's really fun is to go to Data Mine and type in the name of your favorite high up elected official and see how their salaries went up. For Instance Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek's salary over the same 5 year period covered by the Star Tribune (2010-2014), went from $149,483 to $158,905. That's salary, not wages and overtime.
The County Commissioners had more modest raises over that period. Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat went from $97.194 to $104, 703.
The biggest winners by far were the Minnesota State Commissioners. They got between 20 and 30% raises this year!
Unlike us jailers who earn higher wages with grueling 12 hour shifts, the politicians and their cohorts got big raises for putting in the exact amount of time they always have.
So Supervon2, you just keep looking for the evil Union power brokers and at the men and women putting in long hours, while the people you elect, and the people they appoint, laugh all the way to the bank.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Internal Affairs Confusion
Our MNPEA attorney was not available to be there with me on the date and time they wanted. I informed I.A. and THEY moved it to a time my Union Attorney could accompany me. (Keep in mind they moved the date so my MNPEA attorney could be there).
All was well until my MNPEA attorney and I appeared at I.A.
The Supervisor of I.A said, pointing at me, "You can come in." Then pointing at our attorney, "You cannot."
I explained that he was my Union representative and I was entitled to have him with me.
He looked at our lawyer and said, "He's just a witness and doesn't need representation."
I cited Weingarten and said because I could be subject to discipline I was entitled to Union representation. I explained that with my many years as a Union Steward I've seen times in I.A,. where someone who was just a witness suddenly became the focus and was subject to discipline. I also noted that if they accused me of lying I could be subject to discipline.
He still insisted I was "just a witness." I then brought up the Correctional Officers Discipline Procedures law. It states if a correctional officer is giving a formal statement they are entitled to representation. A recorded statement in I.A. IS a formal statement. All to no avail.
I then said, "Look, I'm here, my rep is here, let's just go in and get this done.."
His reply was, "We'll tell you if you need representation".
I finally stated, that I was willing to give a statement but that I wanted my rep or I would refuse.
He said "no," so I left.
Some additional facts. Everyone else called in on this investigation was allowed our attorney, except me.
Remember again, the original date of the interview was changed so my union could be there!
The Law is Clear!
Your right to representation is guaranteed by Weingarten.
In addition to guaranteeing the right to a union representative, Weingarten also states:
If the employer denies the request for union representation, and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has a right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.
and
MSS 241.026 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
States:
(b) "Correctional officer" and "officer" mean a person employed by the state, a state correctional facility, or a local correctional or detention facility in a security capacity.
(c) "Formal statement" means the questioning of an officer in the course of obtaining a recorded, stenographic, or signed statement to be used as evidence in a disciplinary proceeding against the officer.
Subd. 4.Place of formal statement.
The formal statement must be taken at a facility of the employing or investigating agency or at a place agreed to by the investigating individual and the investigated officer.
Subd. 5.Admissions.
Before an officer's formal statement is taken, the officer shall be advised in writing or on the record that admissions made in the course of the formal statement may be used as evidence of misconduct or as a basis for discipline.
Subd. 10.Rights not reduced.
The rights of officers provided by this section are in addition to and do not diminish the rights and privileges of officers that are provided under an applicable collective bargaining agreement or any other applicable law.
An Internal Affairs Interview conducted by Detectives in I.A. and recorded is a Formal Statement that can result in discipline!
and
Article 34 of our contract:
Section 3. Employees will not be questioned concerning an administrative investigation of disciplinary action unless the employee has been given an opportunity to have a union representative present at such questioning. An employee desiring such opportunity shall promptly notify the EMPLOYER and arrange for such representation in a timely manner. The employee shall cooperate fully in such questioning providing full disclosure of all pertinent facts.
This is why you pay union dues. Union representation is your right.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
July issues and meeting
Basement Location
2233 N Hamline Ave
Roseville, MN 55113
Hot issues:
Vote taking place over night shift retro
New Tattoo policy
Techs being made to FTO, but not getting paid for it! That's right. The Detention Techs are being made to FTO staff and even fill out FTO paperwork, but not paid. This is a glaring error in our contract that needs to be addressed.
When we first got FTO pay in the contract for Detention Deputies the first thing they did was remove all of our FTO status so they didn't have to pay. Eventually they appointed new ones, and only the annointed got FTO pay, but they continued to assign non-FTO's to those duties. It was grieved. Inspector Cook (yeah we're going back a few years) stated if we filled out the FTO paperwork we were to get FTO pay. My gut feeling is if you ain't gettin' paid, you shouldn't be doing it. Yes, you may have to train someone in your position, but there should be no paperwork required of you without compensation.
I understand a grievance is coming.
This is the time to start thinking about contract negotiations. They will begin again in the fall.
A friendly reminder to all.
DO NOT GO TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS WITHOUT OUR ATTORNEY.
Monday, July 06, 2015
Police Union sues Chicago PD over tattoo policy
This from the Chicago Tribune:
Police union says it will fight order banning visible tattoos, baseball caps (click for full story)
This is an interesting read considering the HCSO's similar new visible tattoo policy. It seems all of these guys work in concert with each other.
The article states, "The move puts Chicago in line with other big-city police departments like New York and Los Angeles that have implemented similar changes to their uniform policies as body art has become even more common."
Police union says it will fight order banning visible tattoos, baseball caps (click for full story)
"The Chicago Police Department has quietly made changes to its uniform policy, requiring that on-duty officers cover up any tattoos and banning them from wearing baseball caps.
The department’s largest union, which represents rank-and-file officers, quickly voiced its opposition, saying the department should have first negotiated the changes before making any announcement. A number of officers also spoke out against the move, saying their tattoos are part of their identities.
But the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 said Tuesday it plans to file an unfair labor practice complaint with the Illinois Labor Relations Board over the new directive."This is an interesting read considering the HCSO's similar new visible tattoo policy. It seems all of these guys work in concert with each other.
The article states, "The move puts Chicago in line with other big-city police departments like New York and Los Angeles that have implemented similar changes to their uniform policies as body art has become even more common."
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Matrix Consulting Group to audit Sheriff's Office
We just learned the Matrix Consulting Group is auditing the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
and a PDF of an audit of the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff's Office
I'm curious to see the results.
Here's a couple examples of their work with other Departments.
Sheriff's Office overstaffed by at least 15 positions, consultant's study says
DANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
and a PDF of an audit of the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff's Office
I'm curious to see the results.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Brady and your rights.
I'm not going to publish our attorney's letter to our members, but I will comment here. It regards a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sheriff's Office and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
In very short, under Brady (a 1963 law) your discipline can possibly end up being used in a criminal case even if you are just a witness.
There was a meeting between the Sheriff's Office, our attorney and a MNPEA Steward discussing Brady.
The following in red, was my comment on our HCSO911 blog.
Some major points I hope are considered.
1. The contract allows for Letters of Reprimand to be REMOVED after 1 year. The County and Sheriff's Office have repeatedly signed this. An MOU between the Sheriff and County does not negate this.
2. Most of our Letters of Reprimand contain a LIE. They almost always add, Violation of Oath. We are not Sworn, there is no oath. This has to stop.
3. Garrity: In order for the employer to get a statement from members in an investigation, Internal Affairs or otherwise, we sign a Garrity form. This requires us to waive our 5th Amendment rights and cooperate and be truthful. In return our statement cannot be used in a criminal case against us. If Garrity is affected we can and should invoke the 5th Amendment. Remember, Garrity came after Brady.
I'd like to point out, we can't be labled as "Brady Cops" because we are not cops.
Read up on these links and be familiar with your rights.
Garrity Rights, your legal protection in compelled testimony.
In very short, under Brady (a 1963 law) your discipline can possibly end up being used in a criminal case even if you are just a witness.
There was a meeting between the Sheriff's Office, our attorney and a MNPEA Steward discussing Brady.
The following in red, was my comment on our HCSO911 blog.
Some major points I hope are considered.
1. The contract allows for Letters of Reprimand to be REMOVED after 1 year. The County and Sheriff's Office have repeatedly signed this. An MOU between the Sheriff and County does not negate this.
2. Most of our Letters of Reprimand contain a LIE. They almost always add, Violation of Oath. We are not Sworn, there is no oath. This has to stop.
3. Garrity: In order for the employer to get a statement from members in an investigation, Internal Affairs or otherwise, we sign a Garrity form. This requires us to waive our 5th Amendment rights and cooperate and be truthful. In return our statement cannot be used in a criminal case against us. If Garrity is affected we can and should invoke the 5th Amendment. Remember, Garrity came after Brady.
I'd like to point out, we can't be labled as "Brady Cops" because we are not cops.
Read up on these links and be familiar with your rights.
Garrity Rights, your legal protection in compelled testimony.
241.026 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES, your right to your legal consul when being interviewed by the employer.
Weingarten Rights. Your right to have a Union Steward when you are being questioned by a supervisor and YOU think it may result in discipline.
MOST IMPORTANT. NEVER GO TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OR GIVE A STATEMENT TO A DETECTIVE WITHOUT YOUR MNPEA ATTORNEY.
Colorado Supreme Court settles off duty pot smoking issue
Ever since several states have legalized marijuana many have wondered how off duty smoking would be treated. I think we have the answer.
The Daily Beast is reporting:
Colorado’s supreme court affirmed the right of employers to fire workers for smoking pot off-duty, even if they consume marijuana for medical reasons. In a unanimous ruling, the justices upheld a lower court’s ruling that Dish Network was allowed to fire Brandon Coats, a quadriplegic man who was prescribed medical marijuana for muscle spasms, for failing a random drug test. Colorado allows businesses to set their own guidelines about off-duty use of marijuana, and the court found that only activities legal under federal and state law are allowed under the Lawful Off-Duty Activities Statute. “Therefore, employees who engage in an activity such as medical marijuana use that is permitted by state law but unlawful under federal law are not protected by the statute,” wrote Justice Allison H. Eid.
The Daily Beast is reporting:
Colorado’s supreme court affirmed the right of employers to fire workers for smoking pot off-duty, even if they consume marijuana for medical reasons. In a unanimous ruling, the justices upheld a lower court’s ruling that Dish Network was allowed to fire Brandon Coats, a quadriplegic man who was prescribed medical marijuana for muscle spasms, for failing a random drug test. Colorado allows businesses to set their own guidelines about off-duty use of marijuana, and the court found that only activities legal under federal and state law are allowed under the Lawful Off-Duty Activities Statute. “Therefore, employees who engage in an activity such as medical marijuana use that is permitted by state law but unlawful under federal law are not protected by the statute,” wrote Justice Allison H. Eid.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Remembering One of our Own
3 years ago on March 15th 2012,Detention Sgt. Brad Berntson died after complications from being bitten by an HIV positive inmate. Although never officially declared by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, this was a death in the line of duty.
On this Memorial Day remember the veterans who gave their lives in the line of duty, and this veteran who died in the line of duty as a Detention Deputy.
On this Memorial Day remember the veterans who gave their lives in the line of duty, and this veteran who died in the line of duty as a Detention Deputy.
 |
| Photo by Jim Lindfors |
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Union Meeting issues
At tonight's Union meeting I had a chance to meet the new stewards from radio. They seem like a good bunch interested in their members needs. Sadly it sounds as if the issues brought up at the last contract negotiations are still unresolved for them. Hard to get vacation time, hard to get a break from your desk and forced in on off days. I wish them well in trying to improve things.
Issues we discussed were the possible shift in the tattoo policy from admin. It is being said that those with tattoo's may have to wear long sleeves. Great for new employees, but current staff with visible tats should be grandfathered in.
The rumor is also out there that once again the admin may be changing uniforms. Which made me ask where we were with the brown leather grievance. After all, three of us paid our portion and the employers part and have yet to be reimbursed. Sadly, after 5 months since the grievance, arbitrator names are still not being struck.... see my April 5th post. The contract says we are only liable for $65 a year. That means three of us wouldn't pay a dime if the employer changed the uniform again this year...if anyone actually followed or enforced the contract.
Also discussed was the grievance over unpaid night shift differentials. The stewards will be putting something out for the members to decide on. Our BA suggested a sunset clause, then it could be reopened during negotiations..of course that would require the employer to actually negotiate....not just settle with AFSCME and jam it down our throats then try to do something different later.....
color me jaded
yawn
Issues we discussed were the possible shift in the tattoo policy from admin. It is being said that those with tattoo's may have to wear long sleeves. Great for new employees, but current staff with visible tats should be grandfathered in.
The rumor is also out there that once again the admin may be changing uniforms. Which made me ask where we were with the brown leather grievance. After all, three of us paid our portion and the employers part and have yet to be reimbursed. Sadly, after 5 months since the grievance, arbitrator names are still not being struck.... see my April 5th post. The contract says we are only liable for $65 a year. That means three of us wouldn't pay a dime if the employer changed the uniform again this year...if anyone actually followed or enforced the contract.
Also discussed was the grievance over unpaid night shift differentials. The stewards will be putting something out for the members to decide on. Our BA suggested a sunset clause, then it could be reopened during negotiations..of course that would require the employer to actually negotiate....not just settle with AFSCME and jam it down our throats then try to do something different later.....
color me jaded
yawn
Saturday, May 09, 2015
News Affecting Us
In the Star Tribune today there's an article entitled:
Minnesota officials take dramatic steps to restore order at Anoka-Metro mental hospital
The gist is,
"Influx of inmates and surge in violent assaults prompt state to limit county-jail admissions to Minnesota’s second-largest psychiatric hospital."
The article deals with increased assaults on staff by violent criminals and the hospital wanting to do something about how to deal with it. Of course this is in sharp contrast to the jails where we've felt we were the dumping ground for the mentally ill.
"The move to limit admissions, however, already has aroused concern from the Sheriffs’ Association. The group strongly supported the 48-hour rule because of long-standing concerns that jails had become de facto holding pens for people with mental illnesses. With their mental disorders untreated, jail inmates sometimes would lash out violently."
The next item is a recent court decision regarding the gathering of meta-data by law enforcement. From the ACLU:
Why Today’s Landmark Court Victory Against Mass Surveillance Matters
In a landmark victory for privacy, a federal appeals court ruled unanimously today that the mass phone-records program exposed two years ago by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden is illegal because it goes far beyond what Congress ever intended to permit when it passed Section 215 of the Patriot Act.
It recognizes that Section 215 of the Patriot Act does not authorize the government to collect information on such a massive scale.
Click on the link for the full story. We all know of our Sheriff's Office KIngfish system. This could reign it in. It's one thing to get a warrant to track a criminal. It's another thing to wholesale gather citizen information.
Finally, remember Dale Blom, the AFSCME 1134 President who showed up at our homes after AFSCME unlawfully obtained our addresses to harass our members? Well, the City Pages has a nice article on him.
Hennepin County Correctional Officer Dale Blom Is a Convicted Sex Offender
Click on the picture for the full story. My favorite quote is from Chester Cooper, director of Hennepin County Community Corrections and Rehabilitation. The county considered the nature of Blom's offense and decided he was rehabilitated enough to work as a corrections officer. "He has been an excellent employee for more than 15 years."
What is "rehabilitated enough?"
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Shocking..a Four Star in Trouble!
This is from Breitbart:
 |
| Four Star Corruption |
PORT OF L.A. POLICE CHIEF TO BE ARRESTED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES
Some highlights include:
"The Port of Los Angeles has been best known for union labor strife over the last year, but the scandal that is blowing up over the arrest of Chief of Port Police Ronald Jerome Boyd on federal bribery, kickback, and tax fraud charges may set a new high for port turmoil.
Chief Boyd, 57, is a 30-year law enforcement veteran who was just promoted in January to lead the port’s homeland security and information technology operations. Since becoming chief in 2004, he has overseen the 204 sworn officers who police 43 miles of waterfront.
But on May 31, Boyd agreed to surrender to federal agents next week on 16 counts for charges ranging from kickbacks, wire fraud, tax evasion, and a dozen other federal corruption charges, according to Daniel J. O’Brien, an assistant U.S. attorney in the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section."
But all these guys have four stars on their collars...they can't possibly be corrupt!
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