President's Blog

Uncertain Times in Law Enforcement

These are tumultuous times. A lot of uncertainty and doubt surround us all. I know that some of our members question the worth of dedication to law enforcement and the lodge. That does not fall on deaf ears nor am I myself numb to it, but these are the moments that define us as "Police". This is what separates us from others that can not walk our path. Now is the time to muster and rally. Don't quit, falter, or rest like you have been defeated. Change is difficult. Regardless of legislation or administrative issues, regardless of future intent, you are and will always be "Police". You will always be the person who stepped up and volunteered to try and make things better. Please remain strong, remain vigilant, and steadfast in your service. The citizens of Howard County deserve your service.

Lodge Ethics

January 01, 2020

When seeking a simple definition of the word "Ethics" one is often greeted with something like, " a system of moral principles", or " the rules of conduct respected by a particular group." While those definitions are both true and very much accepted throughout society they leave a large space for interpretation. Sometimes allowing for actions to occur which might otherwise be considered largely unethical.

In our lodge office, hanging on the wall facing the desk, is a large framed poster. It is a poster that displays "Law Enforcement Ethics" as acknowledged by the Fraternal Order of Police. I placed the poster purposefully so that I would be forced to see it every time I, or any lodge officer, would sit at the office desk. It serves as a constant reminder of the things our profession and our fraternal organization consider ethical. I place a great deal of weight in the idea of ethical execution of my duties as lodge President, and and equal amount of weight on the ethics of our lodge officers and members.

Lodge Meetings. Why is it so important for you to attend?

February 01, 2020

“The greatest lesson for democracies to learn is for the majority to give to the minority a full, free opportunity to present their side of the case, and then for the minority, having failed to win a majority to their views, gracefully to submit and to recognize the action as that of the entire organization, and cheerfully to assist in carrying it out until they can secure its repeal.”

― Henry Martyn Robert, Parliamentary Law

That quote is from General Henry Robert, USA, and author of Robert's Rules of Order. For those of you you who are unfamiliar with Robert's Rules they are the rules by which we conduct our meetings and the work to facilitate the smooth and professional conduct of a meeting. Lodge meetings are essential to the operation of your lodge. Meetings are where each and every member have a voice in the day to day operation of the lodge and the direction in which the lodge moves on any number of issues. Some of the issues the lodge is tasked with include the obvious such as our "Collective Bargaining Agreement.", but often times the lodge becomes involved with the legislative process, or, agency policy issues for the betterment of our lodge or law enforcement as a community.

It is for those reasons it imperative that lodge members attempt to attend as many lodge meetings as they are able. Members attending meetings will be better informed to make decisions not only effect our corner of the universe, but all of law enforcement. The lodge meeting is the members one place to have an equal voice on any given topic brought before the lodge.