History and Purpose of the
Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Labor Council:
The
Fraternal Order of Police
was founded in Florida in 1950. The Florida Labor Council was formed nearly
35 years later. The Florida Labor Council enjoys its own identity but continues
to fall under the direct control of the Florida State F.O.P. During those
early years, the Council was funded entirely by the Florida State FOP.
The purpose of the formation of the Council was to establish a vehicle
to handle independent FOP Labor Units throughout the State of Florida.
During the formable years, the Council hired a full time General Counsel.
Later, it became clear a more versatile statewide form of legal defense
had to be developed. The position of General Counsel went unfilled but
it was decided to eventually hire a full time Staff Representative to assist
the local labor units.
The growth of the Labor Council required the addition of another Staff
Representative in 1992.
In 1994, the Labor Council incorporated.
Its own Board of Directors were
elected and appointed by the President of the Florida State FOP.
In 1995, the Labor Council also produced even more expansion and the addition
of two staff representatives. More rapid growth in 2001 required the addition
of three more representatives. Interviewing has recently begun for a fifth
Staff Representative.
The Labor Council has grown from fourteen units in 1990 to nearly forty
units in 2002. Thirty-seven other F.O.P. Lodges are now participating in
the Florida Labor Council Legal Defense Plan. Additionally, they have experienced
growth in the area of non-sworn Police Department employees by their membership
in the Fraternal Order of Police Associate Lodge.
The Fraternal Order of Police Florida Labor Council offers an excellent
Legal Defense Plan available to ALL Fraternal Order of Police members.
Once determined, Legal Council is provided on a case by case basis. Legal
Counsel is determined by the evaluation of all information available to
the FOP Committee Council Attorney. Collective Bargaining is also available
to any lodge seeking to negotiate its own Collective Bargaining Agreements
with its employer.
For more information about the Fraternal Order of Police Florida Labor
Council, additional information and booklet can be obtained by calling
888-485-0351.
Legal Defense Benefit:
The Florida Fraternal Order of Police has created a benefit that is designated to protect the rights of its members. The Florida State FOP Legal Defense Plan benefits a member who is involved in an incident arising in the scope of his/her
employment as a law enforcement officer, even if technically off-duty, which could result in a criminal accusation, administrative action, or civil liability.
Upon request, the member is provided immediate legal assistance from
FOP attorneys and/or staff representatives. This benefit is included with your Lodge 93 FOP & FOPA membership with no additional cost to you!
How to Proceed:
When confronted with a critical incident, departmental investigation, or criminal
investigation the FOP member should:
• Immediately invoke the right of representation.
• Remain silent until an FOP attorney is consulted. For emergency situations call (888) 485-0351 and a live operator will assist you 24 hours a day.
When served with civil process or otherwise notified of an administrative or criminal investigation the officer should:
• As soon as practical, schedule an appointment with the FOP staff
representative to discuss the matter.
• Do not discuss the case with anyone until the FOP staff representative has been consulted.
FOP Lodge 93 Staff Representative:
General Counsel's Chief of Staff: George Hachigian
George Hachigian
Office: (321)385-2220 / Fax: (321)385-0188 / Email: gf3378@aol.com
24 Hour Critical
Incident Hotline: (888)
485-0351
State Labor Council Labor Representatives
Police
Bill of Rights, 2007 Florida Statutes, Chapter 112