PORAC/LDF

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) is an organization representing more than 48,000 public safety workers in California, Arizona and Nevada. PORAC’s employee base ranges from municipal police officers and firefighters, to deputy sheriffs, correctional officers and game and fish wardens. As an organization PORAC has been successfully representing peace officers since 1974. LDF or the Legal Defense Fund is one of the many products that PORAC offers to its membership. PORAC's representative powers are obviously derived from its large and varied membership base.

The Legal Defense Fund was designed to provide additional protection, both criminal and civil, to its members who become involved in scope of employment incidents. The Legal Defense Fund is managed by peace officers for peace officers. The fund has cash reserves in excess of $4 million dollars to protect its membership, with no caps on benefits. Whatever a covered incident costs will be paid by the fund.

LDF Criminal and Civil representation is available regardless of who does the investigation. This includes investigations instigated by all the local, state and federal agencies. In addition to an experienced attorney, the “Customary and Usual” services provided by the LDF include investigators, expert witnesses, polygraphers, court reporters, and court costs. If a conflict arises in the coverage of multiple members, each member will receive separate council. Even if you are being defended and indemnified by your employer, the LDF will provide an experienced attorney to monitor your case and be available to answer any questions about the case, review the pleadings and discovery, watch for conflicts between you and your employer and watch for any signs of inadequate representation.

LDF representation is provided by a locally identified and approved panel of experienced attorneys. New organizational members to the fund do not have to give up their preferred attorneys. Through prior approval, most attorneys can be added to the Arizona Panel of attorneys approved by PORAC.

MICHAEL NAPIER P.C.

The law firm of Michael Napier P.C. is a separate and autonomous organization that works very closely with all members of the APA. Mr. Napier is well known for his strong relationship within the Arizona law enforcement community. Mr. Napier’s ongoing relationship with law enforcement began when the fledgling Phoenix Law Enforcement Association retained him in 1975. From that time forward, Mr. Napier has represented thousands of law enforcement officers and other public sectors employees in just about every aspect of their professional and private lives. This representation includes, but is not limited to, salary and benefit negotiations, grievance representations, pre and post termination litigation, union operations, class-actions law suits, labor-management relations, personal wills, and personal injury law. Long before it became popular to advocate the rights of law enforcement offices, Mr. Napier was on the front line making sure that society treated law enforcement officers in the same respectful manner that they expected law enforcement to treat them.

Services Independently Provided by Michael Napier P.C.

1. Experienced Representation at Disciplinary hearings, including but not limited to:
   Civil Service Boards
   1. Merit Councils
   2. Local administrative grievance meetings
   3. Actions and appeals to Superior Court
2. Criminal and Civil Defense for matters occurring within the scope of employment:
   1. Initial advice and consultation for all incidents
   2. Response to critical incident scenes when necessary
3. Labor and Employment:
   1. Assistance with grievances through arbitration if necessary
   2. Representation before City Boards and Commissions as necessary
   3. Representation on other matters as needed by the Board of Trustees
   4. Available resource for negotiations and grievance issues
4. Personal Injury recovery (on or off duty):
   1. Most cases handled at a reduced fee
   2. In some instances no fee
5. Class Actions Claims:
   Have settled such matters as paid lunch periods, overtime and other wage and hour claims.
6. Consultation with an Attorney:
   Free consultation to members and member's families on any matter
7. Political and Legislative Action:
   Available to assist at city council and state legislature, assistance in developing political action plans
8. Association Counsel:
   1. Review contracts and other agreements involving the Association
   2. Advisor on administrative and business matters
   3. Advisor on organizational and corporate issues
9. Legal Resource:
   1. Conduct research and provides legal opinions on issues related to labor and employment
   2. Provide training to Association leaders and representatives on legal issues
   3. Conducts legislative research
   4. Will assist in the development of a Political Action Committee
10. Other Legal Services:
    1. Referrals to specialists in fields not covered by plan
    2. Discounted services for wills, trusts and probate
    3. Complete estate planning
    4. Reduced hourly fees for other services not covered under the plan