A New Beginning: ACA
As corrections officers, we've made a commitment to the citizens. Citizens of the state rely upon us to provide them protection. They trust us to man the walls. The history of DOC labor representation is like a picture of a wall void of manpower. A picture of indifference and ineffectiveness. A picture of failure: failing to protect members, failing to provide vision, failing to present a voice.
Untitled Document
"...the Arizona Corrections Association (ACA) was created to afford corrections staff the protection they deserve and expect."
As corrections officers, we've made a commitment to the citizens. Citizens of the state rely upon us to provide them protection. They trust us to man the walls. The history of DOC labor representation is like a picture of a wall void of manpower. A picture of indifference and ineffectiveness. A picture of failure: failing to protect members, failing to provide vision, failing to present a voice.
In contrast, the Arizona Corrections Association (ACA) was created to afford corrections staff the protection they deserve and expect. The ACA is there to protect the careers we've invested at DOC. Our careers require a unified voice committed of front-line personnel. The ACA is committed to servant leadership with the focused goal of being member success. It's important to know that, as a member, your Association has your best interests in mind. Our jobs are valuable assets that are worthy of competent representation untainted by unethical compromises. Aggressive representation should not be equated with looking for a fight yet effective representation should not be equated as "peace at all costs."
Former AZCPOA board members have stepped up and stepped into the gap to form the ACA. As a labor association, the ACA is a not-for-profit corporation licensed in Arizona. Common sense compels the ACA to seek member input from in-house and keep member monies at home and under local control.
The ACA is open to all corrections staff (up to the rank of major including administrative, clerical, educational, maintenance, and medical) and is a member of the Arizona Police Association (APA). The APA represents 8000 full-time active sworn law enforcement officers throughout the state. APA Executive Director Brian Livingston, Williams & Associates (lobbyist), along with Dr. Levi Bolton facilitate the APA legislative efforts at the State capital. Fellow APA members include:
- Arizona Corrections Association
- Arizona Liquor Police Officer Association
- Arizona State Investigators Association
- Arizona Highway Patrol Association
- Avondale Police Association
- Buckeye Police Association
- Chandler Law Enforcement Association
- City of Peoria Police Supervisors
- Copper Corridor Police Association
- Deputies Law Enforcement Association
- Gilbert Police Leadership Association
- Glendale Law Enforcement Association
- Goodyear Police Officers Association
- Maricopa County Association of Detention Officers
- Mesa Police Association
- National Border Patrol Council Local 2544
- National Border Patrol Supervisors Association
- Peoria Police Officers Association
- Phoenix Law Enforcement Association
- Surprise Police Employees Association
- Tempe Officers Association
- University & College Law Enforcement Association
ASSOCIATION BENEFITS FROM THE ARIZONA CORRECTIONS ASSOCIATIONS
- Representation in administrative investigations, discipline, and grievances.
- Legal counsel for both on and off-duty incidents, for members and their family (see attached legal comparison plan).
- Work, safety, and benefit issues addressed from a unified voice.
- A political voice through the implementation of a PAC (political action committee) and legislative/lobbying (Williams & Associates/Dr. Levi Bolton) team.
- Development of member benefits (i.e. cell phones, discount tickets, etc.)
- Monthly newsletter and members-only section of website.
- National voice through the National Association of Police Associations (NAPO)
- $10,000 accidental death benefit and a $50,000 line of duty death benefit.
- Positive partnerships with national, state, and community leaders as well as DOC management.
Article written by/or information provided by ACA
|
