Union urges S.B. police to take time they need on calls

10:00 PM PDT on Friday, October 3, 2008

By CHRIS RICHARD
The Press-Enterprise

PDF: Read the letter from the San Bernardino Police Officers' Association

The San Bernardino police officers union, seeking to force Chief Mike Billdt's ouster, has urged members to take the time they need on calls, advice that could have the same impact as a prohibited work slowdown.

"We're not doing any kind of job action," union President Rich Lawhead said. "It's not slowing (officers) down. It's just telling them, 'Hey, you have to watch out for your family and yourself, because nobody else is.' "

Mayor Pat Morris, who appointed the chief and has publicly defended him against union criticism, said late Friday afternoon that he hadn't seen the letter.

It was distributed late Thursday evening.

Morris said he expects officers to do their duty.

"The members of our Police Department have always met high standards of accountability and professionalism, and I'm sure they will continue to do so," he said.

Billdt could not be reached for comment.

The union contract forbids strikes and slowdowns, said attorney Dieter Dammeier, who signed the letter.

But it advises union members to make sure they work in pairs, stay together until assignments are complete, and never respond to calls without backup.

Burglary investigations should be "very thorough," and detectives need to ensure the public receives "the thorough and complete and necessary follow-up attention that they deserve," the letter notes.

"We are not asking you to not do your job or curtail or restrict your activities," the letter states. "We are concerned that given current management's recent actions toward our members that you limit your exposure."

Last month, union members overwhelmingly approved a resolution of no confidence against Billdt.

"It sounds like they're asking for a work slowdown to me," said homicide Sgt. Dave Dillon, who opposed the resolution.

"It makes it sound like we're in danger, which we're not," Dillon said. "We look out for each other. The ones this is going to hurt are the residents we serve."

Reach Chris Richard at 909-806-3076 or crichard@PE.com