The Ouachita Chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association is still in its infancy, but we are growing!  Mountain people tend to be pretty independent, and so are law enforcement officers from a small rural department.  We usually work alone.  However, I can see the benefits of joining PBA, and creating a strong membership in the Association.  We just need to convince fellow law enforcement officers that PBA is worth joining.  We are still independent, in that it is our association; the Association is run and guided by fellow law enforcement officers.   The benefits derived through PBA are enhanced through the strength and power of membership. 

Being in our infancy, I am still learning about PBA as time goes on.  I personally have not had cause to need the legal assistance of PBA, but I have seen fellow officers that certainly could have used the support and benefit of the legal representation that PBA offers law enforcement.  It is apparent that the Association of Arkansas Counties and the Municipal League attorneys are really there the represent the interest of the county or municipality first , then the officers’ interest in a civil lawsuit.  Even if the Officer is completely innocent of any wrongdoing, from the point of view of the governmental entity, it is often time easier and less expensive to settle a lawsuit out of court for a specified amount of money.  The officer may give a sigh of relief that the lawsuit is over, but what are the ramifications to the officer in the long run?  If that officer decides to change departments, he will probably be asked if he or she has ever been sued, and if so, what was the outcome of the suit.  The Officer will of course will say “yes”, he or she has been sued, and the suit was settled out of court.  There is the unsaid indication that the Officer may have been guilty, although completely innocent.  If a seed of doubt is planted, it could be enough to keep an Officer from advancing in his or her career.  Let’s face it, we are here for the career, not the paycheck and benefits. 

Speaking of paychecks and benefits, with increased membership in PBA, we can gain the strength and power of lobbying for legislative changes that will enhance the benefits of our chosen careers.  The rank and file of law enforcement really has no one to represent us.

The Arkansas Sheriff’s Association and the Arkansas Association of Chief’s of Police have strength in numbers.  Their membership numbers are such that they can afford lobbyists to take their interests to the State Legislature.  Although the rank and file Officer may share some of the same legislative interests as Department heads, Department heads also have their own different legislative agendas.  Our Southern States Police Benevolent Association can lobby for our interests, if we pull together and join-up.  There is strength and power in numbers.

 

We all know about the thin blue line.  We can strengthen that line by joining together in numbers.  Although mountain people are independent, we are also all aware that when the situation goes bad, is a comfort to know our partner is already there or forthcoming with lights and sirens.  As law enforcement officers, we know our backs are covered by our partners; PBA is like our duty partner.  They are there to cover our back and that area just below our back!

Sergeant Dolores J. Baker

Mena Police Department