Star & Shield Magazine

It is hard to believe how quickly the year is moving along. It feels like just yesterday we were setting goals and preparing for the challenges ahead in 2026. Now we are already looking toward the future, and one thing is as true today as it has always been: PPOA is strongest when we stand together. Every day, our members answer the call. You work long hours, miss holidays with your families and step into situations that most people will never experience. Read More

Two PPOA milestones are being celebrated in 2026. In January, PPOA proudly marked its 75th year of professional representation. Without question, PPOA continues its mission of protecting and enhancing our members’ individual and collective labor rights and will never waver in our core belief that a well-compensated workforce attracts and retains the very best public safety personnel from a labor workforce that is becoming increasingly scarce. Read More

My fellow Custody Assistants, I came to you one month ago with much distaste for the lack of acknowledgment, let alone progress, regarding our pending contract negotiations. Currently, nothing has occurred to change that sentiment. The process of negotiating Unit 621’s contract, which expired March 30, 2025, was slated to begin April 15, 2026. However, every month since, we have been met with a lack of scheduling accommodations and have even been stood up like a blind date. Read More

PPOA remains committed to advocating for meaningful improvements in policies, labor agreements and legislation that enhance the well-being of our members. We are dedicated to promoting the professional interests of our membership and public safety community by protecting and advancing both individual and collective rights. The most important responsibility of PPOA is safeguarding the rights, careers and interests of every member. Read More

As chairman of the Unit 621 Contract Negotiations Committee, I want to provide PPOA members with an important update regarding the work being done on your behalf. I am pleased to announce that Unit 621 representatives will be meeting with Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for the third time as we continue discussions on matters important to Sheriff Security Officers and Sheriff Security Assistants. Read More

It’s that time again when the election for Sheriff is front and center for our active members. PPOA takes its endorsement process very seriously. I’ve been doing union work for more than a decade (almost two? Maybe two already? I don’t know), and I can tell you this has been an involved and tedious undertaking. We have made some past Sheriffs, as well as some promising candidates, upset, to say the least. Read More