LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (LPAC)

The LPAC Committee:

Chairperson: Det. G. J. "Sandy" Sandoval
Member: Offcr. Paul Quezada
Member: Offcr. P. J. Webb

LPAC Information Highlights:

The Committee recently attended the quarterly meeting of the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA) on May 7, 1998 in Sacramento, California.

The Committee was provided with updated information on pending legislation regarding California peace officer issues along with a detailed analysis regarding the current State election campaigns. The CCLEA meeting (attended by over 30 law enforcement association representatives) also addressed the voter ballot initiatives/measures which will directly affect all California peace officers.

Ballot measures #222, Murder of a Peace Officer, and #226, Political Contributions by Employee Unions, are specifically of great concern to California peace officers. All California peace officer associations are advising their members to vote YES on Ballot Measure #222 and to vote NO on Ballot Measure #226.

The defeat of Ballot Measure #226 is critical for all California employee groups to maintain a level playing field in the arena of making political donations to candidates that are supportive of police concerns.

New Legislation:

G. J. "Sandy" Sandoval, on behalf of LASPA, addressed the CCLEA members and requested CCLEA to oppose a current legislative bill, Assembly Bill #2501 by Assemblywoman Mazzoni. This assemby bill (proposed by the ACLU) would prohibit peace officers from interviewing students in K-12 schools unless new extensive provisions mandated by the school administrator are completed. Basically, this law would require the school principal to "mirandize" the student and obtain permission from the student's parents for the student to be interviewed. Additionally, the school principal or his/her designee must personally monitor the peace officer as the interview with the student is conducted.

CCLEA unanimously agreed to support LPAC's request to oppose AB #2501 and also to send Assemblywoman Mazzoni an official letter of opposition to AB #2501.

State Senate Bills #1626 and #1627, addressing school and college police departments to meet Basic POST standards and also requiring training standards of non-peace officer security guards at schools and colleges are progressing in the State Assembly after passing in the State Senate. It is expected that SB #1626 and #1627 will pass and become State law in 1999. The LASPA and POST have been in leadership roles in promoting and supporting SB #1627 and #1627, working with the author, State Senator Theresa Hughes to professionalize school police in California.

LASPA members are encouraged to contact President Quezada at the Association Office (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) if they have any questions regarding the 1998 State primary election.

LASPA has endorsed (along with LAPD's association and PORAC) the best pro-law enforcement candidate for Governor: Lt. Governor Gray Davis. Lt. Governor Gray Davis has personally met with several of the LASPA's executive board and specifically met and discussed Los Angeles School Police issues with the legislative/political action committee. He is indeed the most qualified candidate and best choice for all peace officers in their vote for governor.

Additional:

G. J. "Sandy" Sandoval, former president of the LASPA and a 20 year veteran of the School Police Department, was recently selected and appointed to the Advisory Committee of POST. Sandoval was nominated for the POST position by PORAC. Both the School Police Department and the LAPD supported the recommenation. The POST commissioners unanimously approved the appointment. Sandoval is the first non-830.1-830.2 law enforcement officer appointed to the statewide POST Commission Advisory Committee. Sandoval will serve a three year term (minimum service) to POST on the Advisory Committee beginning May 1, 1998.