President's Message
by Sgt. Rick Igou, Independence Police Department

Why should I be an OPOA member? The main question is actually, “What's in it for me?” That is the criteria we consider when making most decisions, from joining a health club to choosing between satellite TV or Cable. I want to use that same standard in explaining why someone should join OPOA.

First, I want to introduce myself as this is my first article in this newsletter. I am the 2004-2005 president of OPOA. I have worked at the Independence Police Department for 17 years, first as an Officer and now as a Sergeant.

Now more about OPOA. I first joined OPOA in order to attend a conference they were hosting. Once at the conference I met several other people who were just like me. They cared about the Law Enforcement Profession and in improving themselves. I continued to go to the conferences and then became a board member. It seems that the more I learned about OPOA the more I liked it. I began working on the board with others, who were all trying to improve OPOA and the profession we serve.

Now I have the privilege to lead this organization for the next year. Although I was worried at first about this responsibility I am comforted in the fact that many past presidents like Brenda George (Myrtle Creek), Mike Harmon (Linn County), and Malcolm Lewis (Oregon State Police) are all still active and helping out. We also have a great compliment of officers serving on the Executive Board this year. I have found that most of us do not just work in Law Enforcement, we embrace it. It is a “calling” to most of us for reasons many cannot easily explain. It goes much deeper than just “driving fast and carrying a gun.” It is a profession that actually calls to us and it feels right to try to bring order to the chaos society sometimes creates.

So now you find yourself in this profession and a member of OPOA. It does not matter if you are on the front line taking calls and apprehending bad guys, or in support services; answering phones, dispatching police officers to dangerous situations, you may be a parole or probation officer keeping an eye on selected individuals, analyzing evidence in a crime lab, or guarding prisoners who are put behind bars. The bottom line is we are all in the same Criminal Justice System and each component relies upon the other.

For those of us that consider this career a “profession” not a “job” we will probably work between 20-40 years. We should use that time to support the profession so that we can leave it better than when we got into it, which is why OPOA exists. It is a way for the criminal justice employee to influence the profession and the organization.

Just being a member of OPOA helps. We have over 1,000 members from all over the state and from a variety of positions. This is a powerful statement to make when talking to people about OPOA. Another way to help might be as part of a subchapter or special committee (See article in this issue on What OPOA Needs). Together we make a much stronger team and have more impact than we do as individuals.

Now I want to answer my opening question and tell you how OPOA can benefit you. OPOA has partnered with 2 insurance companies, which can offer you outstanding coverage and rates. We have several groups working on current issues such as working with the legislature or the Board at DPSST. We offer a variety of trainings from our annual conference to specialized training from our subchapters. In addition, we offer a death benefit, newsletter, web site, and affiliation with our professional organization. That's what's in it for you!

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts about OPOA.

What OPOA Needs

By OPOA President Rick Igou

OPOA offers the following subchapters and other committees. In order to continue to maintain a high professional organization we are looking for individuals with a special interest and or skills that want to help in any of the following areas. If you are interested, please contact me by e-mail at Rick.Igou@ci.independence.or.us.

Subchapters:

1. Robbery / Homicide

2. Child Abuse / Sex Crimes

3. Oregon Association of Reserve Peace Officers

4. Background Investigators Association

5. Oregon Association of Evidence Officers

Committees:

1. Website @ OPOA.INFO

2. Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

3. Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEDS)

4. Legislative Committee

5. Liaison with Oregon Washington Lawman's Association

6. Liaison with Oregon Sheriff's Association

7. Liaison with Oregon Association of Chief's of Police

8. Liaison with Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Association

9. Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)

10. Awards

11. Fund Raising

12. Law Enforcement Directory

13. Membership

14. Training

15. Newsletter

16. Police Memorial

17. Political Action Committee (PAC)

Insurance Benefits OPOA members

As one of the benefits for being an OPOA member you are entitled to special discounted rates for Insurance through California Casualty.  A basic description of that coverage is listed here to help give you more of the details, which we receive as OPOA members.  If you have any problems or concerns with any aspect of your service from California Casualty you can contact our 1st Vice President Chris Woolcock, insurance liaison. 

Auto and Home Insurance Available to OPOA Members

As an OPOA Member, you are eligible to participate in the A+ Auto & Home Insurance Program though California Casualty.  This program is not available to the general public and has been an OPOA partner for the past 21 years.  The A+ Program combines good rates with unique coverage for OPOA members; including a $5000 limit for off-duty weapons (most insurance companies only give you $1000). 

SPECIAL RATES

• Competitive rates for OPOA members 

• Auto discounts for good drivers, good students & mature drivers

• Multi-policy discount for insuring auto and home 

• New home, nonsmoker, and smoke detector discounts on home policies

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE

• Theft of personal property from your vehicle covered automatically up to $250 on the auto policy (not covered with most insurance companies)  Coverage available for high performance and custom motorcycles, boats, and other watercraft

• Umbrella and Flood coverage now available

• Unlimited towing and roadside service with no dollar limit

Call toll-free 1-877-889-8928 for a rate/coverage comparison.

CPAO Conference and Awards in April

From Janae Saunders, Crime Prevention Specialist,  Hillsboro Police Department

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Chief Dayton Sibley, Elgin Police Department

 Chief Sibley began his service with the Elgin Police Department in 1987.  He has been instrumental in the development of his organization, from the ground up, as the community relied on outside law enforcement services prior to Chief Sibley.  Along with his responsibilities as Chief, he also has patrol duties as well.

The City of Elgin and its residents have benefited directly from the hard work and dedication of Chief Sibley:

• The Elgin Police Department Scholarship Program was started by Chief Sibley in 1995 for local outstanding high school students.

• Chief Sibley brought the first DARE Program to Northeast Oregon.

• Chief Sibley established a Reserve Officer Program within his department.

• Chief Sibley developed a Juvenile Drug Testing Program, allowing parents an avenue to recognize and detect if their child has been, or is using illegal drugs.

• Chief Sibley has a community policing style that promotes a positive image for law enforcement and is a familiar face on the streets of Elgin.

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Sergeant Jeff Williams, Oregon State Police

In the early 1990’s, OSP Sgt. Williams initiated hunter education classes in the Pendleton Middle School.  He revised the hunter safety manual in order to bring it up-to-date, and was able to have it printed through donations.

Over the following 4 years, every 7^th grade student received hunter safety education, and several schools added the class for 6^th and 8^th grade students as well.  Since its inception, Sgt. Williams has taught the class to approximately 2000 students.

The hard work and dedication by Sgt. Williams in teaching hunter safety has no doubt saved countless lives, and prevented needless property damage and injuries.  During the 13 years that he has been involved in this program, there have been no youth related hunting accidents, injuries or deaths involving his students.  Sgt. Williams follows up this education by being very involved in youth hunting programs in Umatilla County, and for several years has taken a lead role in the McKay Creek Antlerless Elk Youth Hunt.  He is also an avid hunter safety instructor outside of this program.

A Note of Passing

On October 4, 2004 Bette Jo Scofield passed away.  Mrs. Scofield was the Oregon Peace Officers Association's first Business Secretary. When the OPOA grew to a size that it needed more organization Bette Jo took the office of Business Secretary. For more than ten years (1980s and early 1990s) she carried an immense load. Her willingness to serve grew from her long association with the president at that time: her husband “Doc” Scofield.

Services were held Thursday Oct. 7, 2004 in Salem. OPOA was represented and was proud to have been associated with Mrs. Scofield

Robbery Homicide Subchapter

The OPOA Robbery/Homicide Investigator's Subchapter was one of the first subchapters. This subchapter holds workshops each year to familiarize Robbery and Homicide Detectives with cases that had national or international attention in the media and in the law enforcement community. In 2004 one of the day-long workshops included a case review of the multiple-year investigation and prosecution of Washington's Green River murders.

The subchapter is interested in serving your needs. If you have suggestions for training or case review workshops contact any of the officers. Detective Sally Jo Donahue, Linn County S.O., President, Trish Miller, Lincoln County S.O., Vice-President, Retired Portland Detective Joe Goodale, Secretary / Treasurer.

OPOA Training Coordinator Position Wanted

OPOA is currently looking to expand the amount and type of training that we provide. We would like to sponsor training on a variety of topics. We also want to make sure that this training is available to different parts of the state.

We find that we do not have the time or expertise to do this along with our other board duties. We are looking for someone that wants to work part time (contract employee) to coordinate our training. This person would be responsible for the entire training program from locating instructors, finding facilities, advertising, taking registrations, and any other duties as needed.

The amount of time involved and salary will be determined by mutual agreement between the contract employee and the Executive Board. Please submit Resume to OPOA business secretary, Larry Stephens at OPOAOFC@aol.com.

Cookbook Fundraiser Helps Injured Officers

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office sponsored The CODE 7 Cookbook last holiday season. The book contained “delectable, sometimes decadent culinary delights.” These taste-tested recipes were contributed by members and relatives of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The book sold out for a good cause.

Proceeds from the sales of the cookbook went to the families of Clackamas County Sergeant DAMON COATES and Grant County Deputy Sheriff JASON REHLING.  Sergeant Coates was shot in the face in January 2003 while dealing with a troubled teenager. Deputy Rehling was shot in the face on May 2003 while responding to a domestic violence call. Both Sergeant Coates and Deputy Rehling are still recovering from their injuries and have not yet returned to work.

The cookbook project was just one of the many ways that CCSO and GCSO are supporting the families of these injured officers.

Street Safety Alert / FN 5.7 on the STREET

As a patrol officer you are more likely to confront a suspect armed with a handgun than you  are a rifle or shotgun. From 1994 to 2003 of the 616 officers killed in the line of duty 425 were killed with a handgun. Just last year (2003), nationwide there were 1,866 officers assaulted with firearms. There is a new tool on the market that all officers MUST BE AWARE of. The FN 5.7  The FN 5.7 is now available for purchase on the civilian market. I personally saw three of these being used at a private shooting range here in our city. You can pick one up at your local gun shop.

Why officers need to be aware of the FN 5.7 is its capability on the street

The 5.7 is the same size as any full size service weapon (your Glock). What makes it unique is the cartridge. The Five-seveN shoots a 5.7x28mm cartridge. The bullet comes in several different types. Some are not available to civilians but we all know how long that lasts. The base cartridge for this weapon is the SS190. This bullet Will Perforate 48 layers of Kevlar from 50 meters out of the 5.7 Pistol. This translates into “it will punch through your vest, PLATE included.” The bullet will then travel into your body and inflict damage. The bullet is traveling at 2,133 fps. That's about the speed of the bullet coming out of the new carbines we are about to put on the street.

Another unique fact about this weapon is the low recoil and control- ability. The 5.7 only has 60% of the recoil impulse of a 9mm. Having shot one personally I compare it to a .22 target pistol. Where this aides the shooter is in his ability to accurately engage targets very quickly. The average shooter can engage man-size targets all day from 50 to 100 yards with a great degree of accuracy. This is only made easier with the fact that the standard magazine in this pistol holds 20 Rounds.

Tactics and Solutions for Law Enforcement

Knowledge is power. Making yourself familiar with this weapon and its capabilities is very important. If you get a chance to shoot one I highly encourage you to do so. You will be really impressed with its accuracy at distance and control. Keep an eye on the local gun shops and dealers. See how many of these are going out the doors and, the type of ammo that's being sold.

If you run into one on a call I would definitely make a mental note of that in case you have to return to the residence under other circumstances.

This is a fine weapon and a fun gun to shoot but in the hands of the wrong person it could create a big problem for officers. Because of the range and accuracy of this weapon a gunman could hold patrol officers off at a distance making it impractical if not impossible to engage him with the officers service weapon or issued shotgun.

Not only does the gunman have distance to his advantage but, the fact that the SS190 will penetrate military body armor (PASGT vest) at 300 meters and, a (PASGT helmet) at 240 meters adds to his lethality. The officer must be aware of his cover vs. concealment if confronted by this weapon. Hard cover must be utilized. In a tactical situation I would treat the incident as if the suspect were armed with a rifle.

Consider alternate approach paths toward the assailant and flanking/distraction maneuvers. Remember this cartridge makes most ballistic shields useless so consider other devices available like smoke, Bangs (LSD's) and OC/CS. If he can't see or hear and doesn't know where he is for a few seconds you will have the opportunity to move and engage.

As always good basic officer safety practices on the street will allow you to survive almost any encounter. BE SAFE!