San Diego Police Officers Association

San Diego Union

San Diego Police Officer's Association

The San Diego Police Officer's Association is a union that has represented the police officers of the San Diego area for decades. It was established in 1912 and fully incorporated in 1953. The association was formed in order to protect the interests of the police officers who are in the line of fire to protect the community of San Diego. Thus, the union promises its members to "to assist San Diego police officers in issues related to wages, hours, and working conditions" (San Diego Police Officers Association, 2014). Today, the union represents 98% of the San Diego Police Department, with the Chief of Police included in the union's roster. With so many police officers behind it, the union is very strong and well funded. It only continues to grow.

The San Diego Police Officer's Association works to represent its members so that they work in fair working conditions and receive the best pay and benefits they can for their service. Police officers are in the line of fire and thus risk danger everyday at work. This is why the union fights so hard to protect fair wages and ensure that the working environment for officers facilitates the most productivity to keep the community safe. Thus, the primary duties of the union are to fight for officers regarding wage issues and working conditions. When wages are not paid or when an officer is discriminated against while on the job, the union steps in to offer assistance and legal advice to help rectify the situation. Moreover, the union promises to care for officers' families as well. According to the San Diego Police Officers Association, "in the tragic event that a San Diego police officer is killed in the line of duty, the POA Widows & Orphans Fund provides financial assistance to the family of the officer to help them get through an extremely difficult time" (San Diego Police Officers Association, 2014). Thus, the union helps provide for the families of officers who have been tragically killed in the line of duty. This is probably one of the most honorable duties the union performs.