December, 2007

            "Involvement is the Key to Our Success"

It was been a very busy six months for me as your president. Like many of us, I am finding that this has been a particularly challenging period. Here in Florida, the property tax problem and the increase in violent crime seems to be at the forefront of issues that will be facing us now and in 2008. One ramification of the budget crunch was the number of Florida members who were unable to attend the 114th IACP Conference held in New Orleans in October. As always, the conference provided outstanding learning opportunities and a much-needed opportunity for an exchange of ideas. Our thanks go to Larry Mathieson and Traffipax for hosting a get-together for those of us that were able to attend the IACP conference.

As we move into the legislative session, it is important to note that we need more involvement now then we might have had in the past. Last year we moved forward with hiring a lobbyist firm and have been working with Frank Mayernick, Esq., our lobbyist on issues. This has been a significant step in the right direction to make sure that we have a voice in Tallahassee. It should not go unnoticed that Captain David Folsom has been working on our legislative issues for a number of years and will continue working with our lobbyist this coming session as well. However, with all that the Association is doing, we still need the chiefs to come to Tallahassee to meet with their legislators while they are in session. Although our lobbyist is held in high regard, he cannot make the impact on the legislature that we as chiefs can. When we show up in our uniforms, we truly represent the accumulated experience and wisdom of police executives. Last year we had a number of chiefs come to work on legislative issues. One of the more notable chiefs who was able to come to Tallahassee on our behalf was Chief Jay Romine who worked on SB 1030, which was passed by both houses, but ultimately was vetoed by the governor.

To do what's best for policing, we really need to make a consorted effort to have as many chiefs in Tallahassee during the legislative session as possible. If you are able to come up for a couple of days please contact the office for details. We will make arrangements for you to be with our lobbyist.

Now, on to internal business: I have received a number of inquires as to how a member can get appointed to a committee. Each year when a new president is installed one of the first duties is to select the committee chair and vice chair of the standing committees. Generally, the president and the committee chair work on establishing a workable committee. All of the committees and committee chairs/vice-chairs are listed on our website. Even if you were not selected as a committee member, I would encourage any members who have an interest in a particular committee to attend the meetings. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend any of our standing committee meetings.

It appears from all accounts that 2007 may be a year in which a record number of officers give the ultimate sacrifice and are killed in the line of duty. We must never forget those officers and the men and women that are out there protecting and serving day in and day out. We strive in our leadership of our departments to provide safety for our officers and our communities. Working together, we can improve policing in Florida and better serve our employees and our communities.

Chief H.C. "Skip" Clark, II