News Release

December 5, 2007

PHOENIX LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATION  602 246-7869

1102 W. Adams             FAX:  602 246 0226

Phoenix, AZ 85007  

TO:  All media, for immediate release  

PLEA Supports Mayor on Immigration Policy Change

Public Safety Manager Retaliates against Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President 

PHOENIX, AZ--Since Mark Spencer was elected President of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association six months ago, retaliation by the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Public Safety Manager Jack Harris has been on-going and seems to have increased since the public position taken on immigration.

Public Safety Manager Jack Harris initiated efforts by the City to disallow PLEA President Mark Spencer from appearing in uniform during public media presentations.  

On Tuesday December 4, 2007 PLEA President Mark Spencer was advised by the City of Phoenix Labor Relations Administrator that he could not appear in uniform while addressing the media or while speaking publicly in opposition to police department issues. Sadly, this admonishment came not less than 24 hours after speaking to a local news outlet, in uniform, in support of Mayor Phil Gordon and his leadership on the issue of Operations Order 1.4.  

It is obvious that this issue is one of great public concern and a matter of free speech. Furthermore, (this infringes on a) it is clearly protected concerted activity within the course and scope of Officer Spencer’s duties and obligations as the President of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association. PLEA is the certified labor representative of all Phoenix Police Officers and has been since 1975.  

Consequently, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association Board of Trustees has directed their attorney, Mr. Mike Napier, to file an Unfair Labor Practice suit against the Phoenix Police Department and offending parties for alleged violations of the police officers’ contract with the City and the Meet and Confer Ordinance.