News AND INFORMATION

A Historic Win for Law Enforcement This long-overdue legislation ensures American law enforcement officers will finally receive the earned and paid-for Social Security benefits they deserve. The I.U.P.A. has championed this critical cause for more than two decades, and today, justice has been served for those who serve us every day.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has agreed to turn over its internal disciplinary files on thousands of cases involving correction officers under a recent settlement with the New York Civil Liberties Union. Read More ---> https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/doccs-agrees-release-disciplinary-records-dating-19821125.php

“The number of local governments designated in fiscal stress fell to historically low levels over the past two years,” DiNapoli said. “At the same time, an increasing number of municipalities have failed to file required financial data with my office, diminishing the transparency and accountability that residents expect and deserve. An inability to file timely financial reports may be an indicator of larger fiscal problems, and closer scrutiny of these localities may be needed.” Read More ---> https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2024/10/dinapoli-announces-latest-fiscal-stress-scores?utm_content=20241005&utm_medium=email&utm_source=weekly+news

The city’s police oversight agency can punish officers who turn off their body cameras during incidents and also initiate probes without a public complaint, a state appeals court has ruled. NYPD unions representing officers and sergeants had challenged such new Civilian Complaint Review Board rules in a lawsuit last year, claiming that these expansions of oversight “exceeded their authority.” “The PBA will seek leave to appeal this decision,” Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, said of the latest ruling siding with the CCRB. Learn More -----> https://nypost.com/2024/09/30/us-news/ccrb-can-punish-cops-who-turn-off-body-cams-and-also-initiate-probes-without-complaints-appeals-court/

"Molinaro wants a state’s attorney general to have the power to withhold funds when local laws won’t let judges imprison someone who hasn’t been convicted, provided the judge considers that person a threat to the community. A policy that seals criminal records for adult offenders—like the Clean Slate Act in New York—would also trigger the potential loss of funds, though sealing juvenile arrest records would not." Read More -----> https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/new-york-representatives-propose-funding-cut-over-bail-reform/

For New York State Senate, 42nd District Visit his website @ https://skoufisforny.com/the-issues/

The County Police Association of Cortland (CPAC) is the latest law enforcement organization to endorse Mike Sigler for the New York State Senate in the 52nd District. The district covers all of Cortland and Tompkins Counties and most of Broome County. CPAC is the public employee union representing the road patrol and criminal investigations officers of the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office. Read more ----> https://mailchi.mp/91353e621a18/cortland-police-association-endorsement-for-state-senate?e=86797be3c8

State Comptroller DiNapoli this week announced the New York State Common Retirement Fund had a strong return last year and earned 11.5%, and closed the year with an estimated $267.7 billion value. “Strong performances across asset classes helped drive the State pension fund’s investment returns higher over the past year, with many companies reporting better than expected earnings and consumer spending remaining strong,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “While inflation persists and global tensions pose risks to investors, the Fund, thanks to its prudent management and long-term approach, is well positioned to weather any storms and continue to provide retirement security to the public employees it serves.” Read More ----> https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2024/06/dinapoli-state-pension-fund-investments-return-1155-state-fiscal-year-2023-24?utm_content=202406022&utm_medium=email&utm_source=weekly+news

Today, May 15th, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Last year, 138 Law Enforcement Officers suffered line of duty deaths. Many more died at their own hands. This week, tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall to honor those who have given their lives in service to their communities. It is a challenging time for our profession. Last year, 378 officers were shot, 48 of them fatally. 138 of those were ambush attacks, resulting in 20 officers murdered. Departments have had budgets slashed, resulting in less staffing and training. Recruitment is down, retirements are increasing. Mandatory overtime is taking a toll on those who have remained. Crime is up and businesses are shutting down due to the rising crime rates. Tourism is dwindling due to the deterioration of once sought after travel destinations. Criminals who should be incarcerated are being released to further prey on our communities. I believe that things are gradually improving. The “defund the police” movement has predictably abated, due to rising crime and delayed response times along with retention and recruiting problems. Cities, states, and counties are now increasing police budgets, offering bonuses for new recruits. The Federal Government now recognizes some officer suicides as “line of duty” deaths. “Progressive” prosecutors are facing recalls as their policies impact citizens who once were unaffected by crime. Police officers are, too often, berated by the media and exploited by some politicians. They get injured, they get killed, they miss birthdays, holidays, and soccer games with their spouses and children – and yet - they continue to suit up, kiss their families goodbye, and go into the night to protect their communities. They deserve our thanks, our respect, and our support. Here at the I.U.P.A., we will continue to watch, pray, advocate, and fight for rights, protections, improved pay, training, and equipment for the American Law Enforcement Officer. That is our promise. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Dennis J. Slocumb Phone: 1-800-247-4872 Email: iupa@iupa.org