As of January 15, 2008, our membership has fallen slightly to 955 members.
The reason for this decline in membership is....20-YEAR RETIREMENT!!
Congratulations to those of you who have been able to retire as a result of this significant legislative accomplishment! As a result of the loss in numbers, we need to renew our efforts in recruiting, and we still need your help!
If you've been waiting for a better time to join, or know someone who is on the fence regarding membership in this ever-growing prestigious group, NOW IS THE TIME...please refer anyone with questions to an Executive Board member. And don't forget, just because you've retired or are about to doesn't mean you can't remain connected! Please contact Secretary/Treasurer Eva Berg for further information on this great opportunity!
On April 30, 2010, AZPOA members ran/biked the last 6.5 miles of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.
Two Pima County probation officers were chased across the city's southside Monday night by a man who fired several gunshots at their car, authorities said. The chase ended about 9:30 p.m. on North Fourth Avenue just south of East University Boulevard after the man shot out a tire, causing the officers' unmarked vehicle to crash into a parked car.
AZPOA, your union, strives to maintain a position at the “decision table”. To that end we are asking members to take ownership of AZPOA by voluntarily contributing to our P.A.C. (Political Action Committee). These funds will then be used to enact / oppose legislation as needed while also protecting the jobs and pensions of our members, both of which are threatened in this state where our local government faces unprecedented deficits of nearly 5 billion dollars in 2010-11. No donation is too small. Thank you in advance for your help in maintaining the voice of AZPOA.
Even during tough economical times, the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association (POSA) had enough money donated through the generosity of private citizens, the Arizona Probation Officers Association (AZPOA), various police agencies and corporate sponsors to hold their Shop with a Cop program on December 19, 2009. Over 200 underprivileged children from Scottsdale schools went shopping for Christmas with officers from several police agencies and adult and juvenile probation.
Communication Workers of America (CWA) began a Women’s Committee in 1984. There is a yearly conference to mentor new leaders, cultivate the diverse membership, discuss legislation and litigation and continue the battle for pay equity for women. The CWA National Women’s Committee encourages all female union members to be a part of their local women’s committee.
AZPOA donated $500.00 to the Garfield Thanksgiving neighborhood event held on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The funds were used to purchase beverages to accompany the meal. There were two hundred and eight neighborhood men, women and children along with numerous Garfield probation residents, probation department staff, Superior Court Judges and commissioners, and community restitution workers on hand as well. Thanks to AZPOA members who volunteered to serve that evening!
Frontline News is the official news magazine of AZPOA. Take a moment to read the most recent edition to find out what's going on around your association. If you missed an issue, don't worry, some back issues are posted here as well.
On October 3, 2009, AZPOA held its annual picnic at Margaret T Hance Park. Members, non-members and their friends and family enjoyed a cookout, games and prizes.
Great news to report on SB1305, the probation officers bill that has been the number one priority of the Arizona Probation Officers Association. After months of hard work and heavy lobbying by AZPOA President Lou Ebratt, AZCOPS Legislative Director Joe Garcia, and the general membership of AZPOA and AZCOPS, SB1305 passed the entire Arizona Senate overwhelmingly.
Special thanks need to go to the Governor for her support of probation and surveillance officers. Special thanks are also in order for Senator Karen Johnson (R-Mesa, District 18) who sponsored the bill and worked tirelessly for the bill and was dedicated to its passage in the Legislature.
Special
thanks to everyone who made it out to our picnic and made it such a
good time. We appreciate what you do all year round and this is just
one way we can say thank you! To take a look at a short slide show from
the picnic 
Probation and parole officers experience a great deal of job-related stress. A recent study investigated the nature and scope of the problem at nine sites around the country. Researchers identified the major sources of stress (heavy caseloads, paperwork, deadlines) and what officers do to cope. This Research for Practice summarizes key findings and provides case studies of promising stress reduction programs.
This bill is a must read for AZPOA members and law enforcement officers all over Arizona. Please take a moment to go over it. The bill relates to overtime compensation, an issue important to ALL of us.
As the only online degree program offered by a Top 3 Criminal Justice School (U.S. News & World Report), the University of Cincinnati's online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MCJ) offers you the best available academic program with the convenience and flexibility of distance learning. Designed for your busy lifestyle, you can complete the criminal justice degree online while continuing to take care of your work, family, and personal responsibilities. With a UC degree, better career opportunities are within your reach. Put our reputation to work for you, and rise to the top by earning your MCJ online.
On October 25th at 9:30am, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano will be ceremonially signing Senate Bill 1303. The signing will be held in the 8th floor conference room of the executive building at the state capital, located at 1700 West Washington. Come join us as we celebrate this hard fought victory for officers.
On October 6, 2005, the Arizona Probation Officers Association reached another milestone. It was on that date that AZPOA surpassed the 700 member mark. Now, with more than 700 members, AZPOA will continue working for officers’ rights. A big thanks goes out to AZCOPS Chief of Staff, Tim Clark and AZCOPS recruiter Chris Currie. Without these two dedicated AZCOPS representatives, AZPOA would not have achieved this significant milestone. 
In an official ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Napolitano signed Senate Bill 1303. The Bill met overwhelming and bi-partisan support during the 2005 Legislative Session and was signed into law on April 25, 2005. 
SB1142 is our retirement bill currently before the legislature. Take a moment to learn the facts of this important piece of legislation.
AZPOA needs staff support for the initial steps of grievances and complaints. We also have a policy prohibiting supervisors from sitting in with staff during disciplinary actions and it has become increasingly important to have members step up in supporting each other.
At the AZPOA General Membership meeting held on October 3rd, Michael Mortensen was selected in the raffel for an all expense paid trip to the AZCOPS conference in Laughlin, Nevada. The conference will be held at the River Palms Resort and Casino October 19th-20th.
AZPOA is seriously concerned about the new Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department's Conflict of Interest Policy. AZPOA is working to correct this policy. Click here to read the AZPOA attorney"s letter to Chief Carol Boone. AZPOA would also like to thank Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Eileen Willett for her immediate attention in this matter.
On Thursday January 24th, The Arizona Probation Officers Association (AZPOA) held their annual legislative luncheon. In past sessions, these lunches , with their informal conversations, have been credited with passage of significant bills.
Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.
The Wills for Heroes program is designed to provide free legal services in the areas of wills and probate to emergency personnel in Arizona. The volunteer attorneys will help you establish a basic Will and powers of attorney. For large estates (over $500,000) or complicated probate matters, you will be referred to a panel of attorneys who have agreed to help you at a reduced fee.
Enjoy this special 10 year anniversary edition newsletter. From 1998 to 2008 AZPOA has been working to improve working conditions and wages for probation officers in Arizona. This edition is full of photographs and history and a look to the future.
The State of Arizona faces an unprecedented budget crisis. The Arizona State Judiciary is directly effected by this crisis. As members of the Arizona State Judiciary, probation and surveillance officers are also effected. 
Mark started with the Adult Probation Department in June of 1992. His first assignment was as a standard field officer out of the old Tanner building. He transferred to Work Furlough for a short stint and has been at his current assignment in IPS since 1998. Mark has been on the Staff Safety Advisory Committee since 2007.
By an almost 4-to-1 margin (final count: 123-for, 35 against), the dues increase measure has passed. What that translates to is a $2.30 increase per payday.
AZPOA is serious about pursuing the fact officers are being denied the ability to carry a firearm. So, AZPOA is collecting information about who has been denied their request to be armed. We are aware that some departments are not following the AOC guidelines on the time frame for responding to an officer’s request.
On June 23rd, 2008, Louise Caddell won the election for the CWA District 7 Vice President, at the CWA conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
I want to thank all of you for helping me gather the necessary $5 forms to qualify for Clean Elections. With your help I was able to turn in 1842 forms to the Secretary of State. Friday I was notified that I had been certified and the check will be cut this Monday and will be sent Fed Ex overnight. 
