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SOUTH GATE POA STRIKES BACK
By: Dieter Dammeier
Lackie, Dammeier & McGill APC
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As most PORAC readers and others who follow police labor politics are aware, the South Gate Police Officers Association has been experiencing great turmoil over the past 18 months as a result of some corrupt City leaders. Unfortunately, three councilpersons and an the elected City Treasurer did not understand a principal which even most low life criminals comprehend, that is, DON'T SCREW WITH THE POLICE. As a result of South Gate POA's efforts and support by other police associations throughout the state, they were successful in a recall election of the three City Council members and City Treasurer. Represented by Lackie, Dammeier & McGill, SGPOA is also pursuing remedies in State and Federal Court, including punitive damages against the individuals involved for various acts of retaliation against SGPOA leaders.
The thrust of the controversy started in October of 2001 when the City Treasurer, Albert Robles was allowed to attend the police academy. One could only presume that his intent was to use his significant influence over the City Council to have him appointed the next Chief of Police, something which was unacceptable to the SGPOA. Robles had a well known dislike for the police officers of South Gate and public safety in general. SGPOA went into full swing to hasten Robles' law enforcement career, including making public statements during City Council meetings to oppose Robles even being in the academy. Subsequently, Robles was removed from the academy which started the retaliatory activity by Robles and those he controlled at City Hall.
In late 2001, the SBPOA, along with other community leaders initiated a recall petition of Robles and three City Council members who in SGPOA's view were anti public safety. The POA obtained the necessary signatures on recall petitions and began picketing and sending out fliers to the community. The first significant act of retaliation involved the City Council members subject to the recall seeking a bid from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department to provide police services in South Gate. After the POA made contact with county officials and convinced them of the motive behind this bid process, the Sheriffs Department withdrew from the biding process, citing budgetary reasons.
Other areas of retaliatory action by the City included changing the color of the uniforms for police officers and bringing in an "acting" Chief of Police to carry out further retaliation. The retaliatory act with the most impact involved altering the work schedule of the officers. South Gate officers were on a 3/12 plan and the City, despite its own management staff indicating a significant increase in cost, changed the officers to a 5/8-work schedule. (Without completing a meet and confer progress).
The SGPOA held their ground and turned up the heat in support for the recall election. Despite the City's efforts to prevent the recall, even taking the matter to the California Supreme Court, a recall election was ordered to be held January 28, 2003. SGPOA took their position to the citizens of South Gate who overwhelmingly (over 80% of the votes) voted for the recall of the targeted officials.
SGPOA and their members are thankful to all those associations who contributed their moral and financial support to their just cause. For those of you who think taking on City Hall is insurmountable, here is another example of what a POA, sticking together, can accomplish.
About the
author -
Dieter C. Dammeier is a LDF panel attorney and partner at the law firm of Lackie, Dammeier & McGill APC, which specializes in representing police officers and their associations throughout California.
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