LETTER TO SUPERINTENDENT 

On September 14, 2009 the Fraternal Order of Police sent a correspondence to Superintendent Riley and Deputy Chief of Operations Kirk Bouyelas urging the immediate end to mandatory 12 hour shifts for district personnel. 

In that correspondence, the FOP cited the Superintendent's statements in his initial request for funds, the natural decrease in crime expected during the months of September and October, and the effect of an H1N1 pandemic potentially made worse by fatigue-reduced natural resistance of officers who have been working over 60 hours per week since early July. 

After consulting with the Superintendent, Chief Bouyelas responded to that correspondence by stating the department had funding in place to continue mandatory 12 hour shifts through mid-October, and it was the department's plan to do so.  Chief Bouyelas reiterated the Superintendent's pledge to provide relief to those officers suffering personal hardships as a result of the mandatory overtime, stating that any officer with a legitimate hardship who is not being accommodated at the district level may contact his office.   Any member experiencing a hardship (school, family issues, fatigue) and does not feel comfortable contacting the Chief of Operations directly, may contact the FOP to intercede in their behalf. Not withstanding the Deputy Chief's reply, the Fraternal Order of Police renews its call to end the mandatory 12 hour shifts immediately.  The job has been done.  We have gotten through the volatile summer months.  Chief, its time to give these officers a break. 

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING 

The Fraternal Order of Police will address the Civil Service Commission on Monday, September 28, 2009 regarding Injured on Duty status and Administrative Reassignments.  (See FOP News & Information Email dated 09/07/2009). The FOP is urging all members who have an interest in either of these two topics to join us at the Civil Service Commission meeting, which will be held on Monday, September 28th in room 7W03 of City Hall, beginning at 1:30PM. 

HAND SANITIZER 

The Fraternal Order of Police has received another supply of hand sanitizer to distribute to members of the New Orleans Police Department.  The Germ-X brand, individually wrapped, anti-bacterial wipes are available for delivery or pick-up by contacting the FOP at the phone number listed below, or by responding to this email.  Our initial shipment was distributed primarily to street-level units (districts, SOD, CIB).  We have enough on hand to provide a supply to other units, as well as street level units which have exhausted the initial supply.. The Fraternal Order of Police, Crescent City Lodge has committed to purchase enough of this product to protect members of the New Orleans Police Department throughout the flu season.