Wisconsin Police Journal - October 2018 • Vol. 86, No. 4 The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association Critical Incident Update p. 5 The Price We Pay The Mental Health Cost of Policing p. 6 The WPPA's 2018 Legislative Report Card p. 8Wisconsin Police Journal - 2 Wisconsin Professional Police Association October 2018 • Vol. 86, No. 4 OFFICERS President – Todd Hoover, Racine Vice President – Lisa Gerbig, Onalaska Sups. Treasurer – Mike Chinander, Eau Claire Secretary – Scott Jennings, Juneau County Sergeant at Arms – Nichelle Nelson, Waukesha DIRECTORS Brian Barbour – Oneida County Steven Bartels – Waukesha James Brigham – Dane County Don Burrows – Polk County William Chesen – Retirees Jeffrey Darst – Superior Dan Frei – Madison Dale Gerbig, II – La Crosse Justin Greuel – Eau Claire John Hetland – Racine Mark Hollister – Chippewa County Ted Knoeck – Marathon County Dennis LeCaptain – Janesville Travis Levandowski – Portage County Daniel Littleton – Minocqua Kurt Pierce – Dane County Sups. Tom Poss – Appleton Kelly Powers – Madison Robert Richardson – Dane County Andrew Rosenow – La Crosse Trevor Rud – Pepin County Nick Stachula – West Allis Travis Tuttle – Fond du Lac EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James L. Palmer, II GENERAL OPERATIONS OFFICE 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison WI 53713 (608) 273-3840; (800) 362-8838; (608) 273-3904 Fax Web Site: www.wppa.com Editor and Design: Julie Neeley Printing: Thysse Printing; Oregon, WI 53575 CORRESPONDENCE Address all magazine editorial correspondence to: WPPA, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison WI 53713. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Wisconsin Police Journal 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713 ABOUT THE WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL The WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL (ISSN 1086-5187) Vol. 86, No. 4, is owned and published by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713. The WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL is published quarterly (January, April, July, and October) and is circulated to dues-paying members of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Members’ subscriptions are included in dues. For retirees and non-members, the subscription price is $12 per year. Subscriptions will be accepted only from bona fide law enforcement officers and students enrolled in law enforcement. COPYRIGHT & POSTAGE Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, Wisconsin, and additional mailing offices. Material contained herein shall not be reproduced in any form without express advanced written permission. Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed, stamped envelope. Copyright© 2018 Wisconsin Professional Police Association Purposes And Aims Of The Wisconsin Police Journal The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association The Wisconsin Police Journal is the voice of thousands of WPPA members throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Police Journal is dedicated to the following principles: • To disseminate important news and information affecting the WPPA membership. • To publicize the purposes, programs and public service projects of the WPPA. • To inform government officials and state legislators of the problems and concerns of the membership. • To inform the citizens of Wisconsin of the duties of the law enforcement officer and to encourage public acceptance of, and compliance with, the laws of the state. • To reflect the proper and deserved image of law enforcement officers in order to help them perform their responsibilities to provide security for all persons and protect the rights of the individual regardless of race, creed or religion. • To defend and promote the integrity of law enforcement officers who, at great personal sacrifice, are devoting their lives and careers to the noble profession of law enforcement. Wisconsin Police Journal - 2 DATES TO REMEMBER 2019 November 6, 2018 Election Day April 7 - 13 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week May 4 - 5 The WPPA's 87th Annual Convention, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells May 5 - 11 National Correctional Officers Week May 10 WPPA Pancake Breakfast, Olin Park, Madison May 10 Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, State Capitol May 12 - 18 National Police Week September 8 - 10 42nd Annual Musky Hunt, Minocqua If you have an emergency, please call (608) 273-3840, local or toll- free, (800) 362-8838 and follow the prompt to be put in touch with the appropriate staff. Please note: In observance of national holidays, all WPPA Offices will be closed November 22-23; December 24-25 and January 1, 2019.MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT It’s hard to believe that this September marked the end of my second full year as your President. I’ve been proud to serve you in this role, and of the way in which this organization serves our law enforcement community. The WPPA’s governing board of directors of working officers just like you, along with our talented staff of business agents, attorneys, and other critically-important support personnel, are all honored that you have placed your trust in the WPPA to fight for you and your families. We are unanimously devoted to maintaining that trust. While the challenges and demands facing law enforcement are ever-changing, the WPPA has proved itself no less dynamic when it comes to protecting us and our profession. We continuously work to expand and strengthen the services that we provide, and our success in this regard is reflected in the consistent manner in which our membership has grown. Since the last issue of the WPJ reached your homes, we have been thrilled to welcome into our ranks the officers from Kewaunee, the sergeants with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the supervisory officers in Wausau. More and more groups are recognizing that no one does more to safeguard us and the important jobs we do than the WPPA. On a somber note, Wisconsin also lost two more officers in the last few months. On August 1, Milwaukee Police Officer Michael J. Michalski was laid to rest after being shot and killed on July 25 when he and a team of officers attempted to arrest a man that was wanted for drug and domestic violence offenses. A 17-year department veteran devoted to his family, his faith, and his fellow officers, Michalski was the second Milwaukee officer to die in the line of duty this year alone. On behalf of everyone at the WPPA, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Officer Michalski’s family, friends, and all those who served beside him. Another agency is also mourning the loss of one of their own. In the early morning hours of August 10, Town of Madison Police Sgt. Jessica Fischer took her own life. Recognized numerous times for her policework and her dedication to the community, Fisher’s fellow officers knew her to be gregarious and a “joy to work with.” What wasn’t known, however, was the depth and severity of the depression that eventually overwhelmed her. Fischer’s passing has shocked and saddened all those that knew and loved her, and our hearts go out to them during this extraordinarily difficult time. As law enforcement officers, it’s common – and often necessary – for us to tamp down our own emotions, put on a brave face, and do our jobs. But we must be wary of allowing our sense of duty and service to get in the way of our own mental health. As rates of depression and PTSD increase within the general public, we are being trained to recognize the signs in our community members, but we must also look out for ourselves and our fellow officers. When you recognize the signs in yourself or someone else, don't be afraid to seek help. Contact your EAP, chaplain or WPPA business agent. Or go online to www.preventsuicidewi.org for Wisconsin-specific information and confidential resources. Addressing these issues early may help avoid suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you or someone you know is experiencing such a crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. Our ability to take care of ourselves only strengthens our capacity to take care of our communities. And the mission of the WPPA, at its core, is to take care of you and all those that keep Wisconsin safe – so please feel free to contact us anytime that we can be of service. You are not alone. We’ve got your six. Todd Hoover Comments and letters can be sent to hoover1803@ sbcglobal.net Wisconsin Police Journal - 3 The ever-popular WPPA Pocket Calendar for 2019 will be mailed in November. The calendars are mailed to each WPPA member to the address we have on file. "WPPA Pocket Calendar Enclosed" will be printed on the envelope. It is important to notify us if you have moved or are planning to move. The Post Office will not forward the pocket calendar to your new address. If you need to update your address or do not want a calendar, please let us know by calling 608-273-3840 or email Lori McDougall at lmcdougall@wppa.com.Wisconsin Police Journal - 4 Enrollment In New WPPA Extended Legal Plan Soars Mirroring what’s occurring nationally, Wisconsin has seen numerous law enforcement officers charged criminally or sued civilly in the last few years for their actions in the line of duty. In 2011, for instance, a La Crosse County deputy was charged for a fatal squad accident that occurred while responding to a fellow officer’s urgent calls for help. In 2017, a Milwaukee officer was tried criminally and acquitted for fatally shooting an armed man during a traffic stop. Just last month, a mistrial was declared in the criminal trial of a Brown Deer officer in the non-fatal shooting of a 370-pound man that was overpowering both her and her partner in a physical struggle. Though none of these officers were convicted (prosecutors are currently considering whether to refile charges against the Brown Deer officer), each of them has incurred upwards of $100,000 in legal bills. The financial costs that a criminal prosecution can impose upon an officer are enormous, adding a huge burden to the emotional and physical toll that any critical incident already takes on an officer that was just doing their job. For that reason, the WPPA recently created its new Extended Legal Protection Plan. The ELPP is a pre-paid legal plan that will cover all of your legal costs if you are charged criminally or sued civilly for actions done in the line of duty. In addition, because we've seen far too many officers frustrated with issues related to statutory claims such as worker's compensation and duty disability, the plan extends to cover those vital areas as well. For the first time ever, the WPPA can now protect you on a broader scale through a comprehensive new plan – one that you can’t afford not to have. Since it was launched in January, over 500 WPPA members have already enrolled in the ELPP, and the WPPA office has been very busy processing the new enrollments that come in every day. As Wisconsin’s largest law enforcement group, the WPPA has established a long and proud history of working to protect you at the bargaining table, in the legislature, and within the communities you serve. Our in-house attorneys currently represent members in a wide variety of areas that are connected to your employment and the collective bargaining agreements that govern that vital service. WPPA attorneys also represent members in critical incidents that are not addressed by your contracts, such as when officers are involved in shootings, squad accidents, or in-custody deaths. In short, we have been widely recognized as having the most legal experience of anyone in the state when it comes to the dedicated men and women that police our state. Despite the unparalleled level of services that we provide, the WPPA is committed to expanding its capacity to serve you and confront the ever-changing challenges that you face. Increasingly around the country, officers are finding themselves being targeted by ambitious prosecutors hoping to score political points and opportunistic civil attorneys eager to score a quick settlement – all because officers were forced to act to protect themselves and the lives of others. The Extended Legal Protection Plan was established to provide you and your families with a safety net of additional legal coverage to give you the peace of mind you need as you work to keep the peace in our communities. Extended Legal Protection Plan Highlights: 1. Under this optional plan, the WPPA will cover all of the costs in connection to the following types of legal matters that are not currently covered by your WPPA membership: Criminal defense in actions stemming from conduct performed in the capacity of a law enforcement officer; Civil defense (e.g., civil rights claims) in actions stemming from conduct performed in the capacity of a law enforcement officer for which an officer’s employer does not provide representation; Worker’s compensation cases; and Duty disability cases. 2. This plan is only available to full-service members in good standing and members from retainer local associations that do not have binding arbitration. 3. Each member must enroll in the extended plan on an individual basis by completing the plan contract available at www.wppa.com and by submitting the annual plan fee. Local associations may pay for their members out of their treasuries, but the WPPA must receive a signed extended plan contract and the annual plan fee for each individual member in order for them to be enrolled. 4. The annual fee for this extended legal plan is $72. 5. The plan even covers outside (non-WPPA) attorneys that have been vetted and approved by the WPPA. For more information about this ground-breaking new service option, or to enroll and begin receiving the added protection that it provides, go to our website at www.wppa.com. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Wisconsin Police Journal - 5 Critical Incident Update Since the last issue of the Wisconsin Police Journal was published, members of the WPPA’s field and legal staff have responded to numerous critical incidents around the state. This included non- fatal shootings involving officers in Eau Claire County and Madison, in addition to several fatal shootings involving officers from Rusk County, Manitowoc, Middleton, and Dane County. The WPPA also responded to an incident stemming from the high-risk pursuit and apprehension of a man wanted for attempted murder that involved officers in Lake Hallie, Eau Claire, and Chippewa Falls. As of the press deadline for this issue of the magazine, there have been a grand total of 15 officer-involved shootings throughout Wisconsin so far this year. While that represents a decrease compared to this same time last year, the shootings that occurred in August and September alone represented 40% of the total for the year. In other words, as most officers already know, a lot can change in an incredibly short amount of time. Apart from the critical incidents themselves, the investigations that follow them are usually among the most anxious experiences that officers will ever have to endure during the course of their careers. For that reason, the WPPA takes its obligation to respond swiftly and effectively – regardless of the time of day or night – to provide you with the guidance and counsel you need and deserve. Staff Update In August, two changes occurred in the composition of our field staff. First, the WPPA bade farewell to Business Agent Jerry Tomczak, who retired after nine years of serving our members and local association affiliates located predominantly in South Central Wisconsin. Prior to his tenure with the WPPA, Jerry served as an officer with the Madison Police Department for 24 years. His even-tempered demeanor and vast experience in law enforcement greatly benefitted all those for whom he advocated. While we were sorry to see Jerry go, we know that his retirement was well-earned – for both him and his wife, Bonni – and we wish them the best. Second, August also saw the addition of Tom Schrank to our field staff. Tom joined the WPPA after enjoying a 39-year career in law enforcement, beginning with the Montello Police Department in 1979, followed by 20 years with the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and 17 years with the De Pere Police Department. He spent more than 27 years working as a sensitive crimes Detective Sergeant, and he also served as a Crisis Negotiator for both Marquette County and the Brown County Joint Law Enforcement Crisis Negotiation Team. Prior to his retirement from law enforcement, Tom was an active local union leader. He previously served as the President for both the Marquette County Deputy Sheriffs Association and the De Pere Police Benevolent Association. Tom’s considerable experience in union advocacy and law enforcement, the latter of which also included work as a family court mediator and forensic interviewer, are an ideal fit for the diverse duties required to be a successful WPPA business agent, and, having already participated in our responses to numerous critical incidents and other matters, it is clear that he has hit the ground running. The Legislative Report Card This issue of the WPJ provides a wealth of information summarizing the bills and proposals affecting law enforcement that were introduced during the 2017-18 session of the Wisconsin State Legislature. The product of a painstaking effort to Continued on page 7 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT James L. Palmer, II Comments and letters can be sent to palmer@wppa.com or on Twitter @JimPalmerwi Jim presenting a retirement plaque to Jerry. Tom SchrankWisconsin Police Journal - 6 The Price We Pay By Dan Frei We all got into this profession for essentially the same reason – to help and protect people. We knew when we signed up that there was a price to pay for that. We knew that we’d work nights, weekends and holidays, and that we’d often miss family functions and our kids’ activities. We also knew that this job can be dangerous and there was a chance that we could be injured or killed doing it. We were told early on that our most important job was to make it home at the end of every shift and we do everything we can to make sure that we and our partners do that. One price that I think many of us didn’t or don’t pay enough attention to is the toll that this job takes on us. As cops, we see and experience things that people generally shouldn’t. Most people will flinch and look away or cover their eyes at certain sights, but we don’t have that luxury. Our communities depend upon us to look closely at these horrific sights to make sure that we do the best we can to properly deal with whatever situation is at hand. There are times when we are not only literally awash in the gore of a grisly scene, but we are also figuratively awash in the intense emotions of people at the worst times of their lives. Whether those emotions are extreme rage, intense sadness or utter hopelessness, we are there right next to them experiencing it, unable to express our own emotions. Our job demands that we put our feelings aside so that we can function and do what we need to do, what we signed up to do. It’s ironic that the very humanity that drove us to want to become cops has to be suppressed so that we can properly service each call. Anyone who has been a cop can relate to how strange it is to go to a funeral and hear an adult say they’ve never seen a dead person before. If you do this job for any length of time, you won’t be able to count how many you have seen. Not only do we see and experience things that most people never will, or should, but we see it at a rate that most people can’t understand. A busy week will give you more exposure to violence, trauma, and intense life-changing events than the vast majority of people will experience in their entire lives. The reality of our job, and of our culture, is that when we clear from one of these calls there are more waiting, and if we don’t go, someone else has to. Our culture puts great emphasis on doing our part of the work, stepping up, and it should. People need help and that’s why we are here. Our culture also puts great emphasis on strength and resilience, the need to get through this call and be able to take the next one and still be the calm problem-solver that we were hired to be. To not look weak, and even though we probably wouldn’t phrase it this way, to not look human. We aren’t supposed to appear scared, shook up, angry, sad or any other normal human reaction. At least not in public, not on a call. So we become experts at masking our emotions, pushing them somewhere deep inside. Maybe they get worked out later, maybe they don’t, but they never really go away. What our culture doesn’t do is put enough emphasis on the price we all pay, and that needs to change. We are doing much better at recognizing the effects of critical incidents and we are taking steps to address those, but the insidious effects of the daily toll still aren’t being dealt with. Suicide rates among police are higher than those of non-police. Every year the number of officers who commit suicide is higher than the number of officers killed in the line of duty. Those killed in the line are hailed as heroes, which they are, but those who succumb to the daily toll and take their own lives are too often seen as weak. These folks are heroes too. Maybe a suspect’s bullet did not take their lives, but the daily stress and trauma of this job may well have. We can’t allow ourselves and our partners to get to the point where suicide is seen as the answer. We can’t wait until we or someone else is sitting with a gun in their hand. We need to embrace the idea, and a shift in our culture, that says it’s ok to ask for help much sooner, before you are on the brink. I have friends, some of the strongest and finest people I have ever known, who reached that brink, and I am extremely grateful that they found the strength to step back and ask for help. It scares the hell out of me to know that I likely have friends who are on the path to that brink. We can’t help anyone if we aren’t here or have reached the point where we can barely make it to work and have nothing else to give. We know the signs, we have EAP and peer support programs, but we need first to be honest with ourselves and notice when things are starting to go down that path before we are so far along that we don’t see a way back. To use a weightlifting analogy, we must be willing to ask for a spot when things are starting to get tough, before the bar is about to slam down on our chest. In a gym, there’s no shame in asking for help to get those extra reps and no shame when someone offers it. Like a good gym partner, Continued on page 7Wisconsin Police Journal - 7 Executive Director's Report Continued: objectively measure the degree to which our elected state officials support law enforcement, the WPPA’s Legislative Report Card is the most cumulative of its kind anywhere in the country. We encourage you to review this information carefully and use it as you consider which candidates deserve your support in the November 6 elections for the State Assembly and Senate. The report card and the candidate surveys that we send to those running for office provide the basis for the political endorsements issued by this organization’s governing body. In the weeks ahead, please check our website and Facebook page for those endorsement announcements. The WPPA’s governmental affairs efforts provide you with a voice that extends beyond the bounds of your community. It serves to keep lawmakers informed as to how their decisions impact the dedicated men and women that police our state, and it provides a way to hold them accountable for their actions – but only if you use it. Please remember to vote on November 6, and before you do, know the score. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay in touch. On August 13, fifteen teams gathered for the annual WPPA Golf tournament at Tanglewood Greens. The course was beautiful, the weather was picture perfect and we couldn't ask for better conditions. We raffled two hunting rifles, with proceeds donated to Menomonie Officer Jason Small to assist him with an unexpected medical situation. The Menomonie PD Team (above), Chief Eric Atkinson, Paul McPherson, Peter Rankin, and Ed Rankin took first place with a score of 59 and were awarded the new Traveling Trophy, made by Dunn County Deputy Jason McDonald. The second place team was comprised of Blake Porter, Anthony Gischia, Jeff Sadlemyer Jr (Portage County SO) Jason Einwich (Mauston PD) with a score of 60. The third place team (below) from Eau Claire PD scored 60: Paul Asselin, Mark Pieper, Mike Glennon, and Mike Cullen. The folks at Tanglewood Greens did a great job and we owe a special thanks to Pulse Party Bus for shuttle service and the Best Western Menomonie Inn & Suites for a great deal on room rates. Also thanks to all the members that participated in the event. Without you we would have had to cancel and end this long standing tradition in WPPA. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year! We are looking for a host for 2019. If your local is interested, please contact Julie Neeley at 608-273-3840 or jneeley@wppa.com. 2018 WPPA Golf Scramble The Price We Pay Continued: we also need to pay attention, watch each other for signs that someone is reaching the limit of what they can do that day and be willing to take some of the weight from his or her shoulders. The job and the things we experience are not going to change. The only thing that can change is how we deal with all of it. Suicide is something that can be prevented but what we, as cops, have been doing isn’t working. I don’t claim to have the answer, and unfortunately, it’s often the case that only that person knows that they are starting to go down that path. All I can say is that we have to recognize that we can’t always just tough it out on our own. We know we can rely on each other on the street every day. What we need to do is extend that, to know we support each other in the other part of this job, the daily price that goes with being a cop. There is no shame in admitting when the weight is getting too heavy and asking for some help. You can find a wealth of Wisconsin-specific information and confidential resources by going to www.preventsuicidewi.org. Frei is the president of the Madison Professional Police Officers Association and member of the WPPA's Board of Directors. Marshfield Team (L to R) Alex Mitchell, Jamie Kizer, Kevin Hamill and Jason PunkeWisconsin Police Journal - 8 COVER STORY Legislative Report Card 2018 IntroductIon: With over 10,000 members from almost 300 local association affiliates, the WPPA is Wisconsin’s largest law enforcement group. Our mission is to protect and promote public safety, as well as the interests of the dedicated men and women that serve to provide it. As such, the WPPA closely monitors legislative proposals that might impact the officers serving our communities and we work diligently to inform state lawmakers of their public policy implications. Through our lobbying efforts, the WPPA has demonstrated the pivotal role it plays in advancing new laws to enhance policing and to otherwise make Wisconsin safer for both the public and the officers that serve it. Since 2006, the WPPA has published a legislative report card summarizing the actions taken on the bills for which the organization took a position either for or against. The most cumulative of its kind in Wisconsin, the WPPA report card tabulates legislative actions on bills throughout each stage of the lawmaking process, and awards and deducts points to individual legislators accordingly. The state lawmakers in each house are then ranked after those aggregate scores are calculated, and those ranked in the top tier in each house are named to the WPPA’s “Law Enforcement Honor Roll.” The highest ranking Legislators are given the distinct recognition of being named “WPPA Legislator of the Year.” The pages that follow provide a detailed summary of the report card results for the 2017-18 legislative session. What began as a fraternal group in 1932 has evolved into a full-service organization that aims to serve as the voice of Wisconsin’s law enforcement community. Our governmental affairs efforts are critically-important to ensuring that our voice is an informed one, and this report card is an invaluable resource in our work to preserve and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe and maintain the quality of life that Wisconsinites expect and have every right to deserve. For questions or comments about the WPPA's legislative program, please feel free to contact Jim Palmer by telephone at 608-273-3840 or by e-mail at palmer@ wppa.com. Thank you. 2018 WPPA Legislators of the Year State Senator Van Wanggaard State Representative André Jacque District 21 (R-Racine) District 2 (R-De Pere)Wisconsin Police Journal - 9 → Legislative Proposal Assembly Bill 48 Relating to: expanding the definition of hate crime victims to include law enforcement officers. WPPA SUPPORTED Assembly Bill 62 Relating to: creditable military service under the Wisconsin Retirement System. WPPA SUPPORTED The WPPA Legislative Report Card: Bills Lobbied by the WPPA in the 2017 - 2018 Session WPPA Governmental Affairs Platform WPPA Governmental Affairs Platform 1. Protect state funding programs that impact public safety services, and promote reforms of state funding formulas in a manner that prioritizes these services. 2. Promote legislation to provide collective bargaining rights for all public employees, and to protect against legislation which could diminish those bargaining rights. 3. Support legislation improving the collective bargaining dispute settlement procedures for members of the law enforcement community. 4. Support legislation allowing for the arbitration of discipline for municipal law enforcement officers. 5. Support legislation improving and protecting the pension and retirement benefits of protective services employees. 6. Promote legislation likely to have a beneficial impact on the law enforcement community and protect against legislation likely to have a detrimental impact on the law enforcement community. 7. Promote political activity by WPPA members through methods such as: encouraging locals to establish local political action committees; advising locals on the operation of their political action committees; providing political action committees with a current uniform candidate questionnaire, and organizing meetings with WPPA locals and their legislators. As the state’s largest law enforcement group, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) actively represents its membership before the State Legislature. We advocate on a wide variety of law enforcement and labor-related issues during each two-year legislative session, and since 2005, we have used a cumulative methodology to closely evaluate legislative activity. At the beginning of each legislative session, the WPPA sends every legislative office an explanation of our governmental affairs platform and report card methodology. This platform is used to help develop our annual report card that measures legislative action on bills of importance to the law enforcement community. This report card is published in the WPPA’s quarterly publication, the Wisconsin Police Journal, which each and every member receives. It also aids our affiliated state and local political action committees in their consideration of political endorsements. The WPPA’s Legislative Priorities At the 2004 WPPA Annual Convention, the Board of Directors consisting of elected law enforcement officers from all across the state formally adopted a governmental affairs platform declaring the legislative principles and policies of interest to the officers within our ranks. Next >