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At the time of this writing, there are currently 2,695 total sworn police officer positions in the City of Phoenix Police Department. Of that number, there are only 996 total officers patrolling the streets, responding to calls for service, investigating violent crimes, responding to medical calls for service and conducting community policing. When will the bleeding stop! Just last year, the Department lost 274 sworn positions to retirement, resignation, termination and lateraling to other agencies. There are already 137 officers scheduled to leave before July.

With many police officers being tenured on the Department due to a hiring freeze for many years, you must ask, “How many will we be losing this year?” There is a minimal hiring bonus, minimal retention bonus and minimal lateral bonus to entice qualified people to work here. Other police agencies are offering higher hourly pay with bonuses across the board, advertising in person, on social media and telling applicants, “Come work for us and leave Phoenix P.D.” They use propaganda slogans like, “Our city council cares about our police officers” and “Our police department has your back.” Guess what — it’s working!

Phoenix has a population of approximately 1.7 million citizens and only 996 patrol officers serving them.

The Phoenix Police Department is currently in the process of a patrol-wide rebidding process/manpower reallocation, or whatever fancy term you want to label it. When you start to move detectives from investigative bureaus and eliminate criminal investigative functions to fill vacancies in the patrol, we are bleeding. The Department has eliminated the entire auto theft bureau, eliminated training staff (including the entire driver training staff and the entire rifle detail), removed burglary detectives and eliminated numerous community action and neighborhood enforcement officers. With the Department eliminating some of these details, they have lost some of the most qualified subject-matter experts in the state. These are just some of the positions that are heading back to the street to answer calls for service and putting on the uniform. PLEA had questions about staffing and caseloads on current detectives, who will be absorbing the cases of other detectives who are being forced to leave (sounding the alarm). 

Executive Assistant Chief Michael Kurtenbach asked PLEA, “Where should I pull bodies from to go to patrol?” That is not PLEA’s position to make that decision. We have been seeing this coming for over a couple of years now, and command staff has been reporting the critical bottom-line number of officers on patrol, but it keeps changing. It started at 1,096, and now the Department is claiming we cannot get below 1,000 on patrol. Phoenix has a population of approximately 1.7 million citizens and only 996 patrol officers serving them. The community should be disgusted to see the recent attacks on our officers, most notably, nine being shot on February 11 by a crazed gunman who had no regard for human life.

On March 13, two officers were shot at in their patrol vehicle, with one of them being struck by gunfire. This job is hard enough running from call to call with minimum staffing on every shift in every precinct. Officers need to make a deliberate decision to be safe. Do not advise on any call, ever! The most mundane and normal call can turn into a fight for your life, and you don’t want to be required to have to justify your actions on why you didn’t wait for backup.

May 15 was National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Don’t forget all our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Be safe!

My name is Justin Hernandez, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the newly appointed treasurer of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association. I have served as a police officer for nearly nine years, with experience in Alaska and Arizona. I began my career with the Phoenix Police Department as a swing shift patrol officer in the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct, with my most recent assignment being a field training officer on the 83F squad. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working among many great officers on a variety of assignments, but the one that I have found to be the most rewarding is my involvement in police labor unions.  

I was raised with the understanding and mindset that labor organizations are a vital part of the work environment to ensure all employees are represented and treated fairly at every step of their career. As a result, I pursued a career path that allowed me to become involved in the police union. This path led to me becoming a representative for the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association in 2014. During that time, I represented all categories of employees within the department, including officers, sergeants and non-sworn civilian employees.

Thank you for letting me be a voice that can advocate for you as members of PLEA.

After I lateraled to Phoenix, I approached PLEA and expressed my interest in continuing my commitment to being a representative for my colleagues. As a result, I was granted the position of precinct representative and eventually appointed to the Board of Trustees.

In my time as a representative in both agencies, I have been involved in various processes involving all ranks within the Department, including use-of-force incidents, policy discussions, development groups, etc. While I collaborated on these assignments, the most important underlying message I felt was necessary to emanate was that all members deserve the best representation they could be afforded. 

I have been fortunate enough to receive training in concepts including rights of police employees, Force Science Institute, collective bargaining and a vast amount of duty-specific training. Acquiring this broad knowledge base has allowed me to become a well-rounded union representative within PLEA. 

Recently, I was approached by the leadership within PLEA with a query about my interest in potentially taking over the treasurer position, if and when it became available. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to expand my reach and help the overall membership. After a majority vote from the Board of Trustees, I have begun my journey as treasurer, and to say I am excited and honored is an understatement. 

There is a massive amount of information to learn in this position. I will be the first to tell you that I do not know everything, but I am willing to do what it takes to find the answers. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, no matter how small or big an inquiry. Thank you for letting me be a voice that can advocate for you as members of PLEA. I am available for contact at the PLEA office or by email at jhernandez@azplea.com.

A couple chiefs ago, I sent an email to ask the chief: “What is the chief going to do to improve morale?” The response I got was, “nothing.” He explained it was the employee’s responsibility to improve their attitude, which would improve morale. I respectfully disagreed and saw it differently. Sure, our attitudes could influence our job, but you can only keep a smile on your face for so long when you’re constantly under attack.

Is it even possible for an employer to improve morale in the workplace? Of course, it is! A simple Google search yields a plethora of ideas, examples and successful case studies. Sabbaticals, temporary reassignments, salary, work environment, praise and recognition are just a few. What is the easiest and biggest morale booster that any employer can do, especially a police department? Support! There is also trust, recognition, communication, fairness and leading by example. How about standing with officers and not protesters or even giving the benefit of the doubt to the officer when they are being scrutinized. Support doesn’t just come from a sergeant, lieutenant, commander or assistant chief. Support also needs to come from City leaders. Imagine if our recruiting posters were just like other local cities in the valley. “Come work where you are supported!” “We will not defund our police!” If Phoenix recruiting posters said come work for a city where you are supported from the top down, what effect would that have on morale?

What is the easiest and biggest morale booster that any employer can do, especially a police department? Support!

What do we do as officers when our employer believes improving the work environment is our sole responsibility? Our attitudes and mindset do play a big role in our mental well-being. First, you have to disconnect. Don’t live this life 24/7. Be mindful of the number of days you put the uniform on, picking up that extra shift or off-duty job beyond your normal work schedule. Having good friends outside of the workplace who aren’t police-related is also important. If you surround yourself with other officers off duty, your conversations always lead back to work. Find that healing time to disconnect from the job. Is it a hobby, the gym or spirituality? Find the thing that makes you happy. You have varied types of leave available. Do not be afraid to use these benefits. Whatever it is that clears your head, make time to do it and always put your family first. To the spouse who is reading this, make them make time.

We are not seeing any attempts at morale improvement by the Department, so it will come down to you. I used to tell the OITs that I could have them hating this job in just a few minutes based off my experiences that were negative during my career. The fact is I can keep complaining all I want and point out the obvious nonsense, but it’s not going to change. I would tell them the only way to survive this career is through your attitude and your health, mental and physical. Never lose your passion and sense of care for the job but understand the City determines what we do while on the clock. If the City wants us to deal with an incorrigible 7-year-old instead of responding to priority emergency calls, then so be it. If they want us to write a report when there’s no crime just because someone wants one, OK. These things are out of our control. Don’t let poor leadership decisions bring you down. Find the things in the job that bring you joy and focus on them.  

PLEA is doing what we can to boost morale and camaraderie among members. Just a few of the fun things we are offering to the membership are a family day, the Fallen Officer Memorial Golf Classic, the Police Officers’ Ball, membership appreciation barbecues and family movie day. 

Stay safe and wait for your backup!

A point of pride for PLEA and its membership is our charities section. PLEA Charities began as a way for the membership to provide for our families in times of unforeseen need. Since the creation of PLEA Charities, it has expanded to a point where the membership can now provide for our brothers and sisters in other agencies, as well as families in our community. 

Many of the events PLEA organizes directly benefit PLEA Charities, such as the annual Fallen Officer Memorial Golf Classic and the Police Officers’ Ball. Events such as these allow PLEA to continue hosting Christmas Shop With a Cop and our Back-to-School program, which provide for our community’s children. PLEA is also often invited to other charitable events where those organizers want to share with PLEA Charities to specifically provide for the membership. 

PLEA Charities also allows a path for people and organizations that want to donate or offer services to officers. Recently, we have been impressed with the continued support by our community for the Moldovan family. Not only does this support prove what we have always known, that the majority of Phoenix stands with its police department, but it also demonstrates the concern our community has for us and our families. 

Members can always recommend a recipient of PLEA Charities. Whether it is a fellow officer or someone encountered during the work shift, call the PLEA office and speak to a Board member about the circumstances of the charitable donation. Should you want to donate to PLEA Charities, call the office and a member services representative can help you set up a recurring amount or a one-time donation. And as always, your full donation is used as a charitable donation. You can also visit pleacharities.org for more information or to donate online.

For the fourth year running, PLEA Charities is hosting the Superhero 5K to benefit abused children across the Valley. The event, part of the Signature Event Series produced by Put on the Cape: A Foundation for Hope (POTC), has raised more than $20,000 in previous years for the Southwest Family Advocacy Center, which supports the special victims units in Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Friendship Park in Avondale, the run encourages participants to dress as their favorite superhero, build a team, bring the kids and enjoy a beautiful spring day in the Valley with music and vendors, plus the City of Avondale’s KidFest occurring immediately afterward. The event is so popular that all three previous Superhero 5Ks sold out in advance, and overflow runners signed up each year.  

“The event is a fun run, and anyone who wants to walk or even do one lap is welcomed,” Phoenix Police Officer Sean Reavie, the event’s creator, says. “The importance of the mission is why we all come. Our hero spotlight is the Flash, and his logo is on the T-shirt and the finisher medal.”

A longtime PLEA member, Reavie created POTC in 2019 to support special victims units across the Valley. As a former Crimes Against Children detective, he understands the needs that advocacy centers have and uses his foundation to fulfill them.

“Way back on September 1, 2015, PLEA Charities donated to my cause when I only planned one event, called Superhero September,” Reavie says. “PLEA and PLEA Charities continue to support me through their involvement, not only with the 5K, but also with our legacy event, the PLEA Superhero Shopping Spree.” 

In 2021, POTC was recognized nationally as a Top Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, and Reavie was named National Humanitarian of the Year by the Marquis Who’s Who in America organization. He gives credit where he says it’s deserved: “Without PLEA Charities donating that money to me in 2015, the second event never would have happened, and we would have been one and done right there. There were no other events scheduled, and that donation gave me a great idea as to how to continue the message.” 

That second event is the now-legendary Superhero Shopping Spree, which, in the last seven years, has accounted for more than $100,000 in donations to fill toy closets, food pantries and clothing wardrobes from Buckeye to Gilbert.

Reavie points out that PLEA Charities is his biggest supporter, both financially and professionally. “The support started with previous PLEA Board members Frank Marino and Ken Crane,” he says. “And it continues with Britt London, John Maxwell, Mike Thomas, Yvette Bro and the rest of the team. They really understand the scope of my mission.”

Through the years, POTC changed both cosplay and charity by utilizing professionally trained actors to portray superheroes at its charity events. Calling this hybrid “Cause Play,” Reavie requires his team to pass a background check, receive Level 1 fingerprint clearance and take training in adverse childhood experiences. It was this attention to detail that led POTC to its biggest event during Super Bowl weekend.

“After vetting us and seeing how professional our group is, we were invited to a Super Bowl party at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles,” Reavie says. “We are on the radar of some serious people nationally, and that is really going to change things for us.” 

The party was thrown by super sports agent Leigh Steinberg (whom Jerry Maguire was based on), and Reavie’s Cause Play team entertained sports and movie luminaries to great reviews. “We are already invited to their Super Bowl party in Phoenix in 2022,” Reavie says. “Great things are happening.”

After the 5K, Reavie says, planning begins for the eighth annual Superhero September Spectacular, to include events across the Valley supporting eight family advocacy centers.

“With great power comes great responsibility,” Reavie says. “We have the responsibility to do all we can for our most vulnerable victims, and make sure they can recover both physically and emotionally.”

For more information and to register for the Superhero 5K, visit putonthecape.org.

By Karen Hurley and Claudia Piano
Founders, FFRA

The Female First Responders Alliance (FFRA) is the brainchild and collaboration of Phoenix Fire Department Crisis Response Volunteer Karen Hurley and Retired Phoenix Police Officer Claudia Piano. While attending classes at TruHit Fitness, we shared our passion for public safety and enjoyed discussing the challenges and fun of doing this work. During these conversations, we became aware of the lack of resources available for women in fire, police, communications and health care.

The mission of the FFRA is to provide women with a place to come together and learn about holistic ways to support themselves and their families through monthly educational workshops on different topics and disciplines. The workshop format includes spiritual elements and an activity that can be applied and integrated into one’s life. The workshops address not only what we are doing, but how we are doing things, so that we may simplify and integrate holistic and spiritual practices to support ourselves and our families on and off the job. FFRA creates a larger community for female first responders to learn and discuss topics that are specific to our needs in a safe, authentic and fun way. It is our goal to empower women to enhance their skills, tools and knowledge for greater wellness, balance and wholeness. We are passionate about creating a place that is informative and creative, and releases the need to be politically correct and “on duty.”

The workshops are 90 minutes long and include time for exchanging ideas, feedback and snacks. As a CR volunteer, Karen knows the value and love of snacks! Claudia also has a background in catering and her brownies are amazing.

Due to the nature of shift work, the monthly workshops are offered on different days and at different times so that those who may be at work one month may attend another month. The space for the workshops is graciously donated by owner Melissa Hile of TruHit Fitness — Paradise Valley, located at 3375 E. Shea Blvd. on the southeast corner of Shea Blvd. and the SR-51. February’s workshop featured guest speaker Allison Pachasa, who educated us about massage cupping and ways to alleviate pain, increase mobility and enhance our beauty routines.

For upcoming event announcements and updates, follow Coaching with a Karen on Instagram and Facebook (@coachingwithakaren). Please sign up via the QR code on the monthly flyer to ensure we have enough snacks! We look forward to seeing you at future workshops.