Pr o b a t i o n Officers from San Bernardino County won an historic election in September,allowing them to r epr e s ent themselves in a l l l a b o r matters, including contract negotiations.“We especially want to thank the California Organization of Police & Sheriffs,” President Gordon Gregg told COPS' Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting in Las Vegas. “Without your help, we would never have been able to accomplish this monumental task.”

In 2005 - 2006, San Bernardino Probation Officers became increasingly frustrated at the lack of representation from their former union, the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA).SEBA, consisting of mostly deputy sheriffs, signed a contract with the County giving 3%@50 to sheriffs deputies, while excluding all other peace officers in the association of the same enhanced retirement benefit. According to several senior probation officers, this was merely the latest demonstration of lack of respect from their union, but one that may have broken the camel's back.

COPS' Member Services Director, Michael DiCesare, worked closely with the association's leadership to educate San Bernardino County probation officers about what the election meant to P.O.'s and their families. A series of informational meetings were scheduled throughout the county. “The meetings were very well attended and probation officers seemed to be very interested in hearing the differences between SBCPOA and SEBA,” according to Dicesare.

The election was held in September and the results were not close. 66% of the ballots cast favored establishing SBCPOA as the bargaining representative for probation officers. SBCPOA leaders immediately voted to affiliate with COPS for legal defense and labor representation.

“Dues collection is set to begin with the first paychecks in November,” according to Gordon Greg. “We are an official organization and the challenge is only beginning. An election for board members will take place in December and contract negotiations will begin immediately thereafter.”