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[Tom]

UAW Local 3056 deputies: 'We're there because we care'

Gwynne Marie Cobb writes in Solidarity

Folks in the neighborhoods of Lucas County, Ohio, are used to seeing sheriffs cruise by on routine patrols. What they may not know is that the county's finest – who are also UAW Local 3056 members – put in hours of their own time, partnering with citizens and local law enforcement.

What started as simply as Neighborhood Watch efforts in the early 1980s has evolved into community policing a decade later. The UAW members' mission is to build partnerships with community volunteers that create safer neighborhoods.

"We're part of the community. We're here because of the community. The resources provided to the sheriff's office are a direct result of the community's tax dollars. We have a responsibility to give back," said Aaron Nolan, a Lucas County sheriff and Local 3056 president.

The local is made up of about 455 noncommand workers from the Lucas County Sheriff's Office, including sheriffs and deputies, corrections officers, clerks, counselors and janitorial staff. The unit joined the UAW in 2006 after a previous affiliation.

"We wanted to be represented by a union that would go to bat for us and be at the table defending our rights, making sure our voice was heard. Our area is directly correlated with the UAW," said Nolan. "I have several family members that have been UAW for 30 years or more. I take pride in being a UAW member."

Another example of the local's community outreach is volunteering for the child fingerprinting program, which is funded by federal grants for supplies and has one full-time member assigned. Local 3056 volunteers conduct fingerprinting for children at area events.

"This is a parent's opportunity to put an extra safety measure in place. God forbid, if someone has to go through the tragedy of needing their child's fingerprints, at least they'll have them and they're a step ahead a lot of parents in ensuring the safety of their child," he said.

Other popular programs benefiting from the unit's volunteer efforts are the Police Athletic League (PAL), where the slogan is "filling playgrounds, not prisons." Children can participate in nearly every sport, from boxing to baseball and bowling to cheerleading. There's even sewing and Cub Scouts.

Since it was founded in 1983, the federally funded DARE program (which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education) continues to teach children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and pursue productive drug-free and violence-free lives.

Nolan called the local's volunteer efforts a "win-win all around."

"It's a good opportunity for kids to see us coming and not be instantly apprehensive because a cop is around, and knowing that we're there because we genuinely care," he added. "It's a trust-building opportunity for everyone. It helps us because we get to see some kids in a different element and that helps us stay open minded."

The July/August issue will be on line soon at this link: http://www.uaw.org/solidarity/index.php

Union members in Pinellas are helping southside residents keep their neighborhood safe and building better police community relations.
http://www.bartlettpark.net/2008/12/...uesday-at.html
http://www.bartlettpark.net/2009/04/...-out-this.html

Read daily Manatee County crime reports and then see if anyone gives a crap about helping someone else. Sorry, but it's the truth. This county is overrun with crime, and more cops aren't being put on the road. Until there isn't 5 home invasions per night, and 50 robberies/burglaries a week; All that support garbage can cease, no one wants to hear it. Manatee County needs help!!!

[Tom]

Having stronger support from residents of high crime areas does make a big difference but does not substitute for adequate funding.

When lots of community organizations have a realistic picture of the challenges facing law enforcement you will see more public pressure to pay the taxes needed for public safety and to cut the frills that divert money from basics. Positive interaction with off duty officers has a side benefit of educating the public. Too many voters get their ideas on law enforcement from cop shows on TV where every crime is solved by the end of the show.

When hundreds of residents march through a high crime area demanding an end to the no snitch culture you can see the potential for a big improvement in cooperation and more effective policing. Bartlett Park residents are struggling to make that happen and need more outside support. Tips and calls from residents are up. We believe if we keep up the pressure with citizens patrols, block parties, National Night Out etc we can keep things from sliding backwards.

This earlier message described our protest marches in April: http://forums.leoaffairs.com/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=85995 , http://www.bartlettpark.net/2009/04/...-out-this.html

We had pastors go door to door to talk to every home: http://www.bartlettpark.net/2008/06/...rdale-and.html

Any better ideas are welcome.

yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Wow you got that right...This blogger has dropped this thread and his /her response on every agency on this board ..Let me see if I got this right. A law Enforcement agency represented by the UAW,the UAW now owned by the federal government with my tax money via GM and Chrysler Oh wow does that make a federal agent now :devil: :cop:

[Tom]

You choose which union will represent you. When you actively participate you make it stronger. I am well served by the UAW. I like having a strong union with a lot of clout.

We represent aerospace workers in the defense industry in Florida. In other areas we represent law enforcement as well as school employees, nurses and other public employees.

We also have a long tradition of community service. It doesn't hurt to promote the good we do in the community. We make things better in the communities where we live.

My brothers and sisters in the American auto industry have jobs because of our union.

You are all right and wrong. It is about funding, its also about commitment from the supervisory staff (sgts on up!) Its about the deputies and officers wanting to do a good job not just putting in time so they get a check and a retirement. (see supervisors). It is also about the public providing information; The elected officials speaking out; The religious leaders, teachers, parents and so on to get on the band wagon. We are all responsible to keep our community safe. Of course we need the Judges to hand down stiff sentences to send a message. Have you noticed that the press will report about the crimes but do not hold our elected officials accountable. They need to grow a back bone and get on the band wagon too. So we are all at fault. The question is what are YOU going to do about it. When the next election comes, THINK! If a commissioner, mayor, sheriff, school board member does not live up to your expectations FIRE THEM by voting for the other guy. The power is in the hands of the people. We determine our own destiny! Don't give up.
Good luck to you all. STH.