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The Informer 1
October 2010 Volume 5, Issue 4
A PUBLICATION OF LVP OA
AFF ILIAT ED WITH -TEAM STER S LOCAL 1 4 -STATE O F NEVAD A A FL/ CIO
-SNCOPS
Inside this Issue
1. The President’s
Corner
2. Vice Prez presents
3. Horses for Heroes
4. Correctional
Emergencies
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. UPCOMING EVENTS
5. Announcements
6. LIGHTEN-UP
7. IPOF
8. In memoriam
9. 20 words or less
7
8
THE BOARD
Tracey Valenzuela—President
Eric Fredenburg —Vice-president
Scott Edwards—Treasurer/LVPOA
.com webmaster
Allan Tremar—Secretary
Russ Jernee—Representative
Mike Weyand—
Representative/Editor--The
Informer
Steve Poe— Representative
President’s corner
Tracey Valenzuela
DON’T BECOME A
STATISTIC
This year, we are on pace to have a
record number of terminations within
the corrections unit. I can only
speculate as to why this is the case.
For one, I know that some
supervisors have come under fire
recently for failing to investigate an
incident or for failing to conduct a
full and proper investigation and, for
this reason, it seems that more
matters are going to a Brief of
Complaint. I also believe that some
of our employees are simply under a
great deal of stress due to these
challenging economic times; some
have seen a great decrease in
overtime, some have spouses who
have lost their jobs, some are upside
down in houses they can no longer
afford, and these stresses may have
caused some poor decisions to be
made either on the job or off.
I have been involved with the
LVPOA since its inception and have
been involved in disciplinary appeals
from the very beginning. What I
have learned from this experience is
that officers make the same general
mistakes and violate the same
general policies. This pattern,
coupled with the recent surge of
serious disciplines, and after
speaking with the PPA’s counsel
(Kathy Werner) and realizing both
agencies have the same type of
issues, has prompted this article. I
hope you will take the information
contained in this article to heart so
that you don’t become one of our
disciplinary statistics.
You should know that in a mental
review of the cases that have gone to
a pre-termination hearing over the
past couple of years, by my
calculations almost 85% of them
have a truthfulness element to them.
In other words, more than three-
fourths of the cases resulting in a
recommendation for termination
involve some allegation of
misconduct, e.g., conduct
unbecoming, use of force, neglect of
duty, etc., compounded by a
corresponding charge that the officer
in question was in some way
untruthful about the matter, either in
the initial reporting of the incident or
later, during his or her Internal
Affairs interview, or both.
The term ―Misconduct‖ shall mean
not only improper action by an
employee in his official capacity, but
also any conduct by an employee
unconnected with his official duties,
tending to bring the department into
public discredit which tends to affect
the employee’s ability to perform his
duties efficiently, or any improper
use or attempt to make use of his
position as an official for his
personal advantage.
Use of Force - The department has
the highest regard for the dignity and
liberty of all persons, and places
minimal reliance upon the use of
force; a careful balance of all human
interests is required. The level of
force must reflect the totality of the
circumstances surrounding the
immediate situation. You should
select a level of force that is within
The Informer
The Informer 2
the range of ―objectively reasonable‖
options. You should use only that
amount of force that appears
reasonably necessary to bring the
incident under control. Each incident
is unique. Make and DOCUMENT
attempts to control through advice,
warnings, and persuasion.
Neglect of Duty - relates to an
employee who fails to comply, by act
or omission, with any law, order,
procedure, rule or regulations of the
department, or who fails to perform
his official duties or who acts in the
performance of his duties in a
manner which could bring discredit
upon himself, upon the department,
or upon any other member of the
department, may be considered in
neglect of duty. This is often used
when the rule violation is not
specific.
Truthfulness Required at All
Times – employees have the
responsibility to be truthful in all
matters related to the scope of their
employment and the operations of
the department. Failure to be truthful
in any matter that impacts on the
integrity of the department or its
members is unacceptable behavior
and will not be tolerated.
Additionally, members formally
noticed of official investigations
conducted by the department who are
found to be untruthful during the
investigations, or who are found to
be untruthful in completing official
department documents, will be
subject to termination.
This is perhaps the most serious
form of employee misconduct in
your profession. Intent is a critical
component when employees are
disciplined for untruthfulness. When
there is clear intent to defraud or lie,
many arbitrators take a strict
approach, concluding that if the
employer-employee relationship of
trust has been breached, no
mitigating factors can or should
lessen the penalty of termination.
Specifically as it pertains to law
enforcement, however, the duty of
loyalty and honesty goes a step
further. Truthfulness allegations
against officers seem to be on the
rise, although there may be some
cases that the POA feel are without
merit, they are nonetheless
proceeding to termination. So while
progressive discipline generally is an
element of just cause, when
dishonesty is the issue, arbitrators
tend to agree with the department’s
determinations in this respect and
usually do not require progressive
discipline.
I hope that you have noticed that out
of all the above violations, the only
one that has called for termination is
untruthfulness. Although there are
other violations which may call for
termination on the first offense, we
usually see the lesser forms of the
above violations that may call for
written reprimands or suspensions.
With this in mind, the common sense
approach would be to admit to the
misconduct, if that is in fact what
occurred, take the lumps you have
coming and move forward from
there. What does not make sense, is
to lie about an incident that could
only result in a suspension at most
and then face a truthfulness charge in
addition that will most likely lead to
the Department’s successful
termination of your employment with
this agency. Give yourself and your
Representative a break; it is easier to
deal with the underlying allegation of
misconduct, even if it occurred
exactly as alleged, than it is to deal
with the misconduct coupled with an
untruthfulness charge.
So, from the words of someone
famous we know, ―Do what you
know is right, learn from it…and
go praying!‖
Leaders are not people with a position; they are people with a passion who are willing to position themselves to meet the needs of others and influence others to do the same!
―Vice Prez Presents‖
Proper Perspective Have you ever noticed
when you hear the traffic
report on the radio, or see
it on television, that the
reporter does not do it
from ground level but
does it from high above
the problem (traffic jam)?
The reason is if it were
done from within the
problem the perspective
would be ―I am stuck, and
cannot see how much
back up there is‖. By
approaching the problem
from above (out of the
mix) the reporter cannot
only see the entire
problem but can help
travelers out of the
problem. It is times like
this when listening to
another person can be
very beneficial.
You would not yell at
your car stereo and deny
that the reporter knew of a
correct exit strategy or
that he was directing you
in a certain direction for
The Informer 3
his self gain. So why do
we humans always think
within the problem, rather
than take ourselves out of
the problem and look at it
from above.
Once we take ourselves
out of the problem and see
the entire problem we can
than see where we need to
go to avoid the traffic jam
completely. This type of
thinking is proper
perspective.
Vice Prez
Freddy
A Horseback Riding
Program for the Heroes in
our Community!
Founded in 2006 and headquartered
in Las Vegas, NV, Horses4Heroes is
building a nationwide network of
family-friendly, kid-friendly
horseback riding facilities and
equine-related service providers that
support our mission to make
horseback riding affordable for, and
accessible to, the families of the
heroes in our communities including,
but not limited to: military personnel
(active duty and veterans), law
enforcement officers, fire
fighters/EMTs, critical care and
hospice nurses, special needs school
teachers and families who are
struggling with serious, chronic
illnesses and/or disabilities.
Our facilities offer able-bodied
horseback riding programs that
emphasize fun and safe activities
with horses, mounted and un-
mounted for all ages. Facilities and
instructors in our network focus on
all aspects of horse care and
horsemanship, including ground
fundamentals, as well as riding.
Typically, both English and Western
riding disciplines are offered, and
some include beginning rodeo and
gymkhana (barrel racing, pole
bending, dummy roping, goat tying).
Members learn valuable leadership
and teamwork skills, make new
friends and develop a lifelong love of
horses!
For information or to join, call us at
(888) 9US-HERO (987-4376) or visit
our web site at
www.horses4heroes.org.
Mission Statement
Horses4Heroes, Inc. is the leading
family horseback riding non-profit
organization that enriches lives and
empowers our youth, and offers able-
bodied horseback riding programs
that emphasize fun and safe activities
with horses, mounted and un-
mounted for all ages. Participants
learn valuable leadership and
teamwork skills, make new friends,
and develop a lifelong love of
horses! Our organization serves all
servicemen and women, First
Responders and other heroes in
communities across the country.
Our mission is to make horseback
riding affordable for, and accessible
to, the families of the heroes in our
communities. Horses4Heroes
members are eligible to attend
sponsored play days, participate in
local horse camps and clinics,
receive discounted riding lessons
from local instructors, and riding
academies, as well as discounts from
local western clothing retailers,
including Sheplers.
Horses4Heroes is our way of saying
"thank you" to the men and women
in our community who do so much
for us every day to keep us safe and
free. For more information or to join,
contact us at (888) 9US-HERO or
(702) 645-8446.
Our Program
Horses4Heroes Wants You!
Horses4Heroes was created
especially for the families of military
personnel, veterans, firefighters, law
enforcement officers, critical care
and hospice nurses and other heroes
in our community!
If you or your kids love horses, this
is the program for you!
The Informer 4
· Horse Camps and Clinics
· Members-only Events and Horse
Shows
· Horseplay (Pre-School - K)
· Operation Free Ride (regular
sponsored riding sessions)
· Birthday Party Packages
(Members only!)
· Girl Scout Visits
· Welcome Home/Send-Off Parties
· Discounted riding lessons from
local instructors
· All ages welcome
Our program varies from facility to
facility, however all of our
instructors focus on all aspects of
horse care including ground
fundamentals as well as riding. Both
English and Western riding
disciplines are offered, along with
beginning rodeo and gymkhana
(barrel racing, pole bending, dummy
roping, goat tying). A one-time
membership fee is required to
participate!
Contact us at (888) 9US«HERO
(987-4376) or (702) 645-8446 to
learn more about our program.
Email:
horses4heroes@gmail.com
Responding to correctional
emergencies
Excerpted from Gary T. Klugiewicz Corrections One
article
There are four general types of emergencies that correctional personnel respond to a regular basis:
a. Disturbance emergencies
These disturbances range from the daily arguments between inmates and other inmates and/or staff, to fights, self harming behavior, from minor disturbance through a major riot.
b. Medical emergencies Medical emergencies range from a small cut on the finger, to major injuries from natural causes and/or fights, to major medical problems like a heart attack or serious suicide attempt.
c. Fire emergencies.
Fire emergencies are always a concern because of the danger of direct fire or the smoke generated by the fire along with the accompanying panic response d. Miscellaneous emergencies
This category is a catch-all for all other emergencies that occur in a correctional environment, and deals with such things as power outages, heating system failures, plumbing emergencies that generate flooding, etc.
The bottom line is, when facing one or more of these emergencies, correctional staff must be ready—and competently trained—to deliver a measured, systematic response. Developing policy and procedure is not enough. Staff must physically train for emergency response procedures, as well, practice to insure proper application to the type of emergency at
hand.
The fact that these emergencies occur in a correctional environment only complicates emergency response. Think of the snowball effect a miscellaneous emergency like flooding could have: An inmate “falling” and injuring himself (medical emergency) might be an attempt to distract staff from a planned assault on another inmate (disturbance emergency). If you think about it, in a full-fledged riot, all four emergency types will be very likely be covered—disturbance, medical, fire, and miscellaneous.
Activity Response Cues
1. Arrive (On the scene) (Become aware of the emergency)
2. Assess (the situation) (Determine type of emergency)
3. Alarm (is given) (Notify control center / get back up responding, if needed)
4. Evaluate (the situation) (Are there any hidden dangers?)
5. Enter (the emergency site) (When you have enough back up and it's appropriate to do so)
6. Stabilize (subject/scene) (Restrain subject, if appropriate)
7. Initial Medical Assessment (Remember that you need to stabilize the subject(s) before proceeding to this step)
The Informer 5
A. Determine the Level of Consciousness (yes / semi-conscious / no)
B. Check ABC's (Airway / Breathing / Circulation)
C. Perform a Body Check (severe bleeding / gross deformities)
D. Treatment to Level of Training (activate the Emergency Medical System (E.M.S.), if appropriate).
E. Continue to Monitor the Subject (stay close / watch closely).
8. Long Term Monitoring (Does the subject have "special needs" that require additional care / supervision) (Medical / Mental / Security) 9. Communication (What do you have, what type of assistance is needed, who is responding, who is bringing in the emergency equipment, when you have enough assistance on the scene, when the emergency is over, etc.)
10. Documentation / Debriefing (Detailed reports on what led up to the emergency, what occurred during the emergency, and how the staff followed up after emergency as well as the findings of the investigation that followed, and remember: If the staff doesn't discuss and evaluate their response they will keep making the same mistakes)
Summary
Correctional personnel respond to emergencies as first responders. The first responder philosophy says that staff should ARRIVE on the scene, ASSESS what type of emergency they have, and call in an ALARM before jumping in.
The next step is to EVALATE whether there are any hidden dangers (is this a set up?) before deciding to ENTER the emergency site in order to STABILIZE both the subject and the scene.
Once the subject has been stabilized (which often includes the application of restraints), staff must begin INITIAL MEDICAL ASSESSMENT, which includes following the trained protocol.
Next comes LONG-TERM MONITORING that includes proper placement of the inmate after the incident, based on the inmate’s security, medical, and/or mental health needs.
COMMUNICATION takes place through the emergency response, and includes communication with the inmate, staff, witnesses, and other responding professionals.
Finally comes the DOCUMENTATION / DEBRIEFING that includes all levels of documentations required by staff involved in the emergency, along with a tactical debrief to provide “lessons learned” for staff members for the purpose of improving future performance.
BE SAFE!!
There is now a link on the city's intranet. On the "Welcome" page click the "Employment" tab, on the bottom right section
"CEA/Civil Service" there is a
link "Las Vegas Peace Officers
Association (POA)" or go to
www.lvpoa.com
GGeenneerraall
MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp
MMeeeettiinngg
Thursday, 01-27-11
0630 and 1815
AND stay tuned for upcoming
special meeting TBA
From our Friends at the LVCEA -
$10.00 discount coupon available
for pick up at 857 S. Eastern (CEA
Office)
ftp://ftp.lasvegasnevada.gov/cea/Circus Circus Frightdome.pdf
http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id
=87874836
The Informer 6
I just wanted to put this out there and
bring some awareness to a medical
condition that has affected my
family. My youngest ―Olivia‖ was
diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile
Rheumatoid Arthritis (SJRA). I
thank God that her condition was not
as severe but I do notice that she still
has some bad days. With the
blessings that came out of this is
knowing that there is medical
advancement for treatment and
medication. My Olivia just started
her daily shots that will be a
minimum of a year but she is not the
only child affected with this. Our
family has joined an Arthritis Walk
in Henderson to raise money and
awareness for this cause. I have
included a link if you would like to
be part of Team Olivia. This event is
free and is a ―Halloween‖ themed
event so you and or the kids can get
dressed up and have a great time.
Place: The District at Green Valley
Ranch in Henderson.
Date: 10/23/10
Time: 0800-1130
http://vegaswalk.kintera.org/faf/r.asp
?t=4&i=312191&u=312191-
298449305&e=3695357238
LVPOA Members, I have been advised that we have a new D&E
Family Member! Let’s congratulate Officer Jeremy
Tenorio on the birth of his new son, Aiden Alexander Tenorio, born August 25
th, 2010, at 6lbs 1oz.
―Congratulations to Sgt. D. Davis &
Officer R. Brookins on receiving the
Safety Officer Award Recognition
(SOAR) from the Southern Nevada
Rotary Club at their 9th
Annual event
for Law Enforcement, Fire, and Fire
Rescue. As a recipient of the SOAR
award, you are among those
distinguished individuals being
honored in Public Service for
dedication to the well being of
others. Congratulations to you both!
Submit your questions to—Q&A
If you have any questions,
comments/rants that you would like
to have answered, please forward
them to the Informer editor—Mike
Weyand, we will make every attempt
to answer your questions in a timely
manner and then publish them in the
next issue of the Informer for the rest
of the membership to read. Of
course, your questions can be
confidential upon request.
The Informer 7
LIGHTEN-UP
Why did the vampire go to
the orthodontist?
To improve his bite...
What do you get when you
cross a vampire and a
snowman?
Frostbite...
Why do witches use brooms
to fly on?
Because vacuum cleaners are
too heavy...
How do witches keep their
hair in place while flying?
With scare spray...
What do you get when you
cross a werewolf and a
vampire?
A fur coat that fangs around
your neck...
Do zombies eat popcorn with
their fingers?
No, they eat the fingers
separately...
Why don't skeletons ever go
out on the town?
Because they don't have
anybody to go out with...
What do ghosts add to their
morning cereal?
Booberries...
steps
Things to Do to Liven Up
Thanksgiving Dinner
1. Load your plate up high,
then take it to the kitchen,
toss it all in the blender, and
take your "shake" back to the
table. Announce that it's the
new Thanksgiving Weight
Loss Shake.
2. When everyone goes
around to say what they are
Thankful for, say, "I'm
thankful I didn't get caught"
and refuse to say anything
more.
3. Bring along old recorded
football games, pop them in
the VCR when Dad's not
looking. Make sure it is set to
the last two minutes of the
game. When he comes into
the room, turn off the VCR
and turn on the regular TV.
4. Bring a date that only
talks about the tragic and
abusive conditions known to
exist at turkey farms.
5. During mid-meal turn to
mom and say, "See mom, I
told you they wouldn't notice
that the Turkey was past
expiration date. You were
worried for nothing."
What did Adam say on
the day before
Christmas?
It's Christmas, Eve!
How do you make an
idiot laugh on boxing
day?
Tell him a joke on
Christmas Eve !
What do you have in
December that you
don't have in any other
month?
The letter "D”!
What does Father
Christmas suffer from if
he gets stuck in a
chimney?
Santa Claustrophobia !
What do you call a
letter sent up the
chimney on Christmas
Eve?
Black mail!
Who delivers’ cat's
Christmas presents?
Santa Paws!
The Informer 8
All inclusive pro football packages
are here!
Come see the game live! Join us for a hassle free trip
from Las Vegas to live NFL
games in San Diego &
Arizona.
Just park your car and ride!
2010 Pro Football Packages
History of the Injured Police Officers Fund
The Injured Police Officers Fund
(IPOF) was formed in October of
1982 when
LVMPD Motor Officer James
MacLaren was shot in the head
during a traffic stop. Fortunately,
Officer MacLaren survived his injuries
however; he was forced into medical
retirement.
The IPOF held its first fund-raiser
when Sheriff John Moran and his wife
Goldie Moran hosted "A night out
with the stars." All of the funds raised
from this event were donated to the
MacLaren family and the IPOF was
born.
In 1982, the IPOF represented the
Officers of LVMPD, Henderson, North
Las Vegas, Boulder City and the
Southern Region of Nevada Highway
Patrol. In 1992 the IPOF added the
City of Mesquite Police to our
organization. In 1995, under the
leadership of Sheriff Jerry Keller, the
IPOF added the Officers of the City of
Las Vegas Detention and
Enforcement, University of Nevada
Las Vegas Police, Clark County Park
Police and Clark County School
District Police.
The IPOF is comprised of sworn law
enforcement officers from each of the
member agencies. Each agency has
one primary and one alternate
representative. These officers
volunteer their time and are
appointed by the Chief of Police of
their agency, or in the case of
LVMPD Officers, the Sheriff of Clark
County.
The IPOF typically holds at least two
major fundraisers each year, the
annual IPOF Golf Tournament and
the annual IPOF Classic Car Show.
The IPOF also works with various
community non-profit organizations
within the Las Vegas area throughout
the year, including friends of Metro
K9.
The IPOF will assist with expenses
not covered by Industrial Insurance
for serious line of duty injuries or a
line of duty death. These expenses
may include, but are not limited to,
reimbursement for equipment
damaged, childcare expenses not
normally incurred and other expenses
on a case by case basis.
You can help the IPOF by making a
tax deductible contribution through
this website. You can also contact us
for more information at
info@helplasvegascops.com, via
telephone at 702-380-2840, or via
mail at 9330 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89134.
For more information or if you are
or know someone who was injured in
the line of duty contact Officer
Ratzsch:
tratzsch@lasvegasnevada.gov
The Informer 9
In memoriam Someone once said, sorrow comes in
great waves…….it rolls over us, and
though it may almost smother us, it
leaves us on the spot, and we know
that if it is strong, WE ARE
STRONGER, inasmuch, as it
passes…..and we remain.
We are all gathered here today to
celebrate the life of Curt
Constantino. We are here today to
mend our sadness; to show our care
and support; and to gather strength
from one another.
We are gathered here today to pay
respect to a man who impacted so
many of us present here in this room.
A selfless man
A man who I never heard utter a bad
work about anyone
A man who I affectionately call
―Connie‖
A man who always greeted me in the
mornings (and I’m sure you too) with
“WHAT’S UP KID?!!”
Oh! And how that irritated me! It
made me cringe! I thought surely
it’s been a long time since I’ve been
a kid! And after years of taking it, I
tried to hint to him in my sarcastic
way that……It’s been a long time
since I’ve been a kid, and he either
didn’t get it or he didn’t care,
because the next morning, in
traditional fashion, I got “WHAT’S
UP KID?!!”
We gather here today to pay respect
to a man who I’m sure we all feel left
us too soon; who was taken from us
by a horrible illness.
I can’t help but feel some relief
inside, knowing that he is in a better
place; a place where no one wears a
vest, handcuffs, or a gun. That he is
no longer in emotional or physical
agony.
Somewhere beyond the sun
A place of beauty that we can only
imagine
Where the angels now protect him.
He’s in a place we cannot see,
Beyond the golden gate
A special place for D&E
Where all our offices congregate.
Our brothers gone before him
welcome home this valiant man
Who was a father, a brother, a
significant other, our friend.
Corporal Curt Constantino, truly a
wonderful human being.
―Rest Now Corporal‖, you have
earned your wings,
And all the beauty that surrounds you
that this special place brings.
Rest in peace, my friend; you will be
missed
P#531 will now be reporting from
heaven I am sure he is looking down
upon everyone today, with a smile on
his face (and today, I’m okay with it)
saying……
“SEE YA KIDS!!!”
I envy not in any moods the
captive void of noble rage, the
linnet born within the cage that
never knew the summer woods: I
envy not the beast that takes
His license in the field of time,
Unfetter'd by the sense of crime,
To whom a conscience never
wakes; Nor, what may count
itself as blest,
The heart that never plighted
troth But stagnates in the weeds
of sloth;
Nor any want-begotten rest. I
hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel
it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better
to have loved and lost
than never to have loved at all.
Canto 27
IN MEMORIAM A. H. H
by Alfred lord Tennyson
The Informer 10
The Informer 11
Officer L. Cummings – 4 Years
―Nothing comes to a Sleeper but a Dream‖
Sgt. D. Davis—8 Years
―God is talking to you. Are you listening?‖
Sgt. D. Tate— 28 Years
―Do what you know is right...Learn from
this and GO PRAYING.‖
Officer B. Griffith— 6 Years
―Long live the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City
Royals and the Atlanta Hawks, but most of all
my Family and Friends!‖
20 WORDS OR LESS….