Message from the President
by Dennis J. LeCaptain

Comments and letters can be sent to President LeCaptain at WPPA, 340 Coyier Lane, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail dlecaptain@wppa.com.

According to the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance (OJA), the number of violent crimes increased in this state from 2005 to 2006 by nearly 20 percent. In addition, there were 743 assaults on law enforcement officers, representing a 50 percent increase.

A recent study commissioned by Marathon County and conducted by the Northwestern University School of Public Safety revealed that the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department has not added deputies since 1992, while their calls for service have more than doubled. This kind of law enforcement activity also increases the demands confronting our dedicated dispatchers, upon whom officers rely for critical information.

On August 16, Hudson Police Chief Andrew Smith resigned his post after he was told that there could be no increase in the department's new budget. Smith, who became the HPD chief March 1, said he felt he was unable to continue to lead the department under those conditions. He added that as a department, they have done as much as they can without increased funding and support.

On August 29, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department reported an increase of 1,000 more calls for service during the first seven months of 2007 when compared to the same period last year. According to Sheriff Bob Spoden, the caseload for sheriff’s detectives involving more serious crimes has been steadily rising. One of the factors in the department's increased workload is a boost in armed robberies.

A recent Associated Press survey of police and sheriff’s departments across the United States found that law enforcement agencies are struggling with delays of as long as 18 months for both handgun and rifle ammunition. The military’s need for ammunition to fight the war in Iraq is squeezing supplies, and impacting the training lesson plans so as to conserve ammunition. The shortage also makes ammunition more expensive. For example, the Madison Police Department expects to pay more than 22 percent for ammunition next year.

Rather than invest in public safety services, the Republican majority in the Wisconsin Assembly chose to cut the funding that the dedicated men and women of law enforcement require to effectively meet their service demands.

The Assembly budget approved in June reduces state aid to local units of government by $58 million. In addition, the Assembly reduced funding for the law enforcement officers supplemental grant program by nearly 50 percent. While this is a relatively small program, it is a key tool used by the OJA to put additional officers on the streets in communities across the state.

While the Assembly’s version of the budget would negatively impact law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and county correctional officers, its impact on all public employees would be no less damaging. Especially when you consider that the Assembly wants to severely diminish the ability of public employees to collectively bargain with their employers.

The foregoing helps explain why the WPPA lobbies state lawmakers, and why we recently ran our first-ever political television ad. While the ad targeted one lawmaker and highlighted budget cuts aimed at law enforcement, it is our belief that the ad will go a long way to protect the state aid provided to local units of government to pay all their employees. Whether you’re a member who serves in a law enforcement capacity or not, the WPPA will do everything in its collective power to protect you and your ability to support your family. Some organizations may bargain contracts or prosecute grievances, but only the WPPA can give you the full service that you deserve. I encourage you to thoroughly review this issue of the magazine, as well as our website, and note all of the ways we are fighting for your rights.

Established in 1932, the WPPA continues to improve the ways we represent our diverse membership. When our numbers grow, so does our ability to represent you. The reverse is true when members leave. If you know of local groups that could benefit from joining our ranks, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or to encourage them to visit us on the web at www.wppa.com. We must stick together and work together in order to protect our collective interests.