In such a short time, our department has come a long way. It seems like just yesterday, one of our divisions did not even provide health insurance for full time police officers. This was just one of the many injustices that faced our men and women of law enforcement. I am currently writing you after we have just negotiated our first contract with The City of Austin.
When our association started to organize and stand for our officers, we had an important decision to make. Our members were divided on the issue of what legal group to affiliate our association. It seemed that CLEAT was a logical choice but most were hesitant. The underlying fear was that CLEAT would direct its loyalties and recourses to the big show in town; The Austin Police Department. We took a leap of faith and affiliated with CLEAT.
I want to let you and your members know that we made the right choice. We could not have gotten to where we are now without CLEAT as a partner. We have worked very closely with CLEAT attorney, Tom Stribling. At the inception of our affiliation with CLEAT, Tom believed that the manner in which we accrued vacation was errant. Tom later negotiated a settlement on back vacation time and longevity pay that exceeded $300,000 for our officers. With the assistance of Tom and Chris McGill, we negotiated out first contract that included some of the following benefits:
• Pay leveling that insured all officers were properly placed within their correct pay zone.
• Two percent pay increase above what non-contract city employees get on a yearly basis.
• Addition of the Corporal rank with ten new promotional opportunities for officers.
• Certain assurances during internal investigations.
• Standardized promotion process with outside agency review.
• Extension of the "Return to Work" program from 180 days to one year.
I am certain that CLEAT and APSOA have obtained close to one million dollars in benefits for officers over the last year! I have no doubt that we made the right choice by going with CLEAT! There truly is "Strength in Numbers."
Michael Hart
President, APSOA
To: Richard Carter
Subject: Re: Our Brief
I would like to thank you and Mr Driskell for your hard work and dedication to my appeal. I am very thankful to be a member of CLEAT. You have both helped tremendously in this unfortunate period of my career, and your services are greatly appreciated and admired.
Regardless of the outcome, I am thankful to have you both in my corner. Keep up the good work.
Jeremiah Love
Ron Delord, I am sending this email in appreciation for Ron and CLEAT's immediate offer to assist the family of fallen Police Officer Lisa Beaulieu with anything they needed from food to lodging. This took a large burden off of the Beaumont Police Officers Association and the Beaumont Police Department. The family did not live in Beaumont so this was very helpful. More importantly it took the burden of worrying about food and lodging off of the family in their time of need. I cannot say enough about how appreciative the B.P.O.A. and the family of Officer Beaulieu were for this act of generosity. Thanks for being there.
Sgt. Mike Mills President, Beaumont Police Officers Association
May 9, 2007
H. L. O'Neal
CLEAT Corporate Counsel
400 W. 14th St., Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78701
Dear H.L.:
I am writing to commend Chris Barrett for his response to a critical incident/shooting on Thursday, May 3, 2007. Chris responded to an APA/CLEAT member's need after being notified by phone of the time, location and minimal facts of the incident.
APA Vice President PJ Brock and I were at the incident when CLEAT arrived. Chris immediately went to the member and began advising and consulting him. While PJ and I talked and consulted with other APA/CLEAT members on scene, the other officer involved continued to wait for his TMPA representative. Chris had the opportunity to speak privately with our member and advise him at the scene, while the other officer involved continued waited for his TMPA representative. Chris was able to help our member with his walk through and explanation with the detectives on scene, while the other officer involved waited for his TMPA representative. Chris was able to be with the member during the entire after-action wrap up, while the other officer waited for his TMPA representative. I believe it was at this time that CLEAT attorney Chris Barrett welcomed the TMPA representative to the scene.
It is important to note that in the last few critical incidents that I have been on, CLEAT shows up and takes care of business immediately most times before Internal Affairs or Detectives arrive. As President of the Arlington Police Association, I am proud that we are an affiliated local of CLEAT.
Sincerely,
Randle Meadows, President
Arlington Police Association
Atta Boy, HL
Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:02 PM
I though I would send this At-A-Boy to you on behalf of Mr. O'Neal. Late Saturday night early Sunday morning three of our Deputies were involved in an incident that required them to use Deadly Force.
To make a long story short one Deputy was dragged while hanging out of the driver's door window and the bad guy tried to run over another. He then pointed a gun at one of the Deputies and they opened fire. It was a good shoot.
I was notified about 02:45 A.M. I called the emergency hotline. One person called me (I don't remember his name) and then a short time later I was called by Mr. O'Neal. I told him what happened.
He tried to call a local C.L.E.A.T. attorney but got no response from them. So around 03:00 or 04:00 A.M. Mr. O'Neal, who was in New Braunfels at the time, got in his car and drove for over two hours to Corpus Christi to make sure the Deputy involved got representation.
He stayed here for I don't know how long and then went back home. I know we pay dues for this but this went beyond that. I just wanted to let you know that he made a lot of friends down here not to mention helping our recruiting drive. I am doing this because I thought Mr. O'Neal should be recognized.
Elmer Cox – President of the Nueces County Sheriff's Officers Association.
Dear Ron Delord,
On 02-21-07 at approx. 12:40am one of our members with the Port Arthur Police Association was involved in a shooting. I was notified of the incident at around 1:00am. As soon I got the information I immediately called our local CLEAT fulltime staff attorney Eric Carcerano on his cell phone and advised him of the incident. He immediately responded. I proceeded to the scene of the incident, when I arrived, Tom Barbee, CLEAT Staff member, was already on scene and had gotten the officer separated and away from the chaos of the scene. A short time later Eric arrived on scene and was able to assist the officer involved with every aspect of the investigation. Eric was there every step from the initial investigation to the very end. Through Eric's experience he was able to explain what was about to happen to put the officer a little more at ease. I feel that having a Fulltime Cleat Staff Attorney a phone call away was crucial in making the situation for the officer less traumatic. I also feel that having Eric as a fulltime attorney helped the officer involved because he was able to devote his time to the officer involved without having to worry about getting back to a busy law firm. Eric and Tom did an outstanding job and should be commended for the hard work not only in this incident but the several other incidents they were able to help our Association with for the past several years.
I feel that CLEAT is the only organization that could have handled this incident with a quick and thorough response that was displayed this morning. This is a great example of why CLEAT is important to every law enforcement professional.
Steve Flores, President
Port Arthur Police Association
(409)540-0009
November 7th, 2006
Dear Jim,
As you are well aware I had my arbitration hearing the first week of November.
I would like to take the opportunity to let you and the members of the APA know that I am truly in awe of the professionalism and skills demonstrated by Mr. Tom Stribling.
During the hearing which lasted the course of three days I had the opportunity to observe one of the primary resources for which our dues are collected for. On each and every single day Tom never failed to impress me with his court room abilities.
I am writing this letter now, rather than after the findings by the arbitrator are rendered because I would like everyone to know that regardless of the turn out Tom did an outstanding job.
It was obvious when watching and listening to Tom conduct the presentation of my case that he was more then well read on all material. He was extremely well versed on all aspects of the case as well as all interviews and evidence.
Not once did I see Tom falter in his consummate professionalism during the hearing.
Nor did he ever treat me with anything less then the respect all of us hope for in such awkward situations.
Once again I would like to thank Tom for all his effort, respect, and support.
Sincerely,
Rick R. Munoz
To: Larry Watts
CLEAT Chief of Staff
From: Armando G. Elizondo
LPOA President
Date: July 25, 2006
Back in May 2006, we met with you in San Antonio, TX to discuss our proposal to the city for the last year of our 5 year collective bargaining agreement. Our pay increases would be comparable to the 2nd ranked city on a salary survey of 8 cities as per our contract.
As it turned out, these cities had a different ranked level in comparison to ours. After reviewing the salaries in these cities, you gave us a recommendation as to how to reach a solution to get the best pay increase.
When our committee met with our city's staff, we made the highest salary recommendation to them and after meeting three times with them, our proposal was accepted after we agreed to a medium in salaries. Our proposal was accepted on June 30, 2006 by the assistant city manager, Ms. Cindy Collazo.
Greetings Eric,
Just wanted to drop a line and send a big "Thank You" for your assistance with policy and in recruitment efforts towards the cadets at the police academy at Angelina College Police Academy.
I thought it was humorous, a few days after you visited a cadet came to me and expressed that he knew what we meant about having the right specialty of lawyer. Turns out the kids dad and grandfather are lawyers. He said his grandfather represented him on a traffic ticket while he was in high school. He said they failed miserably . . . and commented that his grandfather, who specialized in commercial contracts, showed that just because a person is a lawyer doesn't mean they should be your representative.
Again, it was good to meet you. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you, CLEAT or any of the CLEAT family. Keep up the great work!
Stay safe,
Stephen Williamson
"Most people don't realize how good they have it as members of CLEAT. I was an FOP member in Oklahoma and never received the response or representation I get from CLEAT."
Fred Harmon
Amarillo PD
Mr. O'Neal,
I am a sergeant with the San Antonio Police Department. I recently had the honor of being represented by an attorney currently on your staff. I have been on the Department for 15 years and never had the misfortune of being investigated by our Department, let alone, receive discipline.
The attorney I am referencing is Mr. Robert Leonard. From the moment I called the CLEAT office and made contact with Mr. Leonard for the first time; to the moment we walked out of the Chief ‘s office at the conclusion of this case; he demonstrated the highest quality of professionalism and respect, to everyone he addressed.
Mr. Leonard made me feel at ease with his excellent public relations (PR) skills and his ability to communicate effectively and to the point. He exhibited vast experience and superb job knowledge when he presented the facts of the case to the Chief and his legal counsel. Based on his demeanor with the Department's staff, it is quite evident Mr. Leonard has established tremendous rapport with Internal Affairs personnel, as well as Chief Ortiz and his staff.
Mr. O'Neal, I commend you and your staff for the outstanding representation you provide to our members during "not so pleasant" times. Please accept this letter of thanks.
Sincerely,
Frank Martinez
OFFICER SAYS THANKS FOR HELP ON LETTERS ABOUT PAROLE
TO: Charley Wilkison, CLEAT
Subject: police shooting
Yes sir, I just wanted to thank you for the help. Officer Banda told me that you personally hand delivered a letter to Gov. Perry. I work Central Robbery if you need anything in the future please do not hesitate to contact me – Thanks again May God Bless You and Your Family
Det. Gilbert Tovar # 2368 (San Antonio Police Dept.)
Just like to say thanks to CLEAT. I recently received a letter from my department informing me I was under IADInvestigation from a complaint from a business owner.
I immediately contacted my CLEAT Representative Richard Aman and he had me meet with Eric Carcerano to discuss the investigation and prepare for IAD. I feel confident that I will be cleared of any wrong-doing knowing I have CLEAT watching my back. Thank God for CLEAT!!!!!!
Eddie Pereira
CLEAT member
Please allow me to take a few minutes to express my sincere appreciation for the services and continued support CLEAT has provided me over the past several months.
Specifically however, I wish to bring to you attention the utmost professional services provided by Mr. Chris Barrett. Mr. Barrett is the staff attorney out of the Fort Worth Office, who has been assigned by CLEAT to assist me during a recent Whistle Blower's situation at the Tarrant County Hospital District where I served as the Chief of Police. Due to the services provided by Mr. Barrett, several unfortunate events have been avoided and I am well on my way to having my name cleared and the entire incident put behind me. I cannot express in words the level of appreciation that I feel, and the measure of appreciation and respect that I hold for CLEAT and specifically Mr. Barrett.
CLEAT is without a doubt, the most professional organization assisting law enforcement, and I would recommend membership to each and every Texas Peace Officer from the rank of Patrol Officer through the Chief.
Thank you again for all you have done.
Very Respectfully,
Paul D. Lilly LCC, MSCJ
Chief of Police
I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much I appreciate the LPPA and CLEAT. I received a phone call the other day from detectives regarding a death in a custody case involving myself and that it was ruled a homicide by the ME. I was told that my actions would be under investigation to rule out wrongdoing. I went ahead and called the CLEAT office and within 15 minutes Mr. Driskell called me back and advised me of what to do. That took so much worry and strain off of me. I was and am impressed, so thanks for your hard work and our association with CLEAT. This case should clear itself but it is nice to have that immediate support.
Curtis Wadkins
Lubbock PD
Mr. Aman,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your help fighting against my department. You are a valuable asset to Houston and CLEAT. I doubt my department and the city would have taken me seriously without your backing.
I further greatly appreciate your professionalism and attention to my case, even though in the grand scheme of your battles mine was very minor.
I hopefully will not be in further need of your services however, in the event they are needed, I would not hesitate in requesting your counsel and having you by my side.
Sincerely,
Brian Martin
Deer Park PD
Thank you for all of the information. I sent in all the paperwork and payment this weekend to join CLEAT. I was very pleased with the prompt response I received from CLEAT. I also inquired with another association at the same time that I did CLEAT. However, they still to this date have not answered any of my questions or inquiries.Thanks again,
Lt. Wes Stovall
Hill County Sheriff's Office