FTM wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:28 AM:Oceanside Officer Dog was the only policeman that could find the bad guy that was hiding in the abandoned house in Carlsbad last week. I figured the handlers would be looking for a raise. The dogs live at home with the handlers and are fed and bathed and walked by the handlers. I suspect the handlers are looking to get paid the same wage per hour they spend with the dog at home that they get on the job. This is a common problem amongst companies that have people working from home. The common solution is to give the person a raise, but not to pay a per hour rate for after work hours. Most employees accept the raise in leu of hourly compensation even thought the hourly would be more. This is a municipal thing so it will be interesting to see what remedy the judge comes up with.

Oceanside Officer wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:34 AM:To those in the lawsuit: Thanks for embarassing my department. There are numerous officers who would love the chance to become a K-9 handler. This is soley about greed. If you would have asked any of these officers during the application process about K-9 pay, you would have gotten the response, "It's not about the money". But now that they're safe in their position with numerous officers just wanting a chance to do what they do, they have the audacity to ask for more money than they previously bargained for. Just jump on the "Let's sue the Deparment" bandwagon and see what kind of money we can get. A small majority is making it bad for all of us.

esteban wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:47 AM:Of course you have to take care of your dog after hours. Why did you take the job if you didn't want to take care of your dog? More ignorant Oceanside cops.

O'side Copper wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:52 AM:You guys make me sick! This is a POA issue, not a lawsuit. It was agreed through the POA you get get 4hrs for your off duty time. If it's such a burden, go back to patrol and let some new blood in who appreciate the posisition for what it is...not the money!!

To Oceanside Officer wrote on Nov 8, 2007 8:50 AM:You are right on. I too am an OPD officer and this is a joke. A small handful making everyone else look bad. Just think, not only do they get an extra 10%, 4hrs a week in pay, they get the take home car. With gas prices as they are that is a big benefit. I would be really be surprised to see how much time they actually spend training their dogs on their days off, as it is they spend one day a week at work training now, so who are they really trying to fool. Ask any officer on the department and you would probably get a large majority thinking this is a joke, even alot of EX K9 officers would agree. As for the OPOA, you have the right to determine what is right and what is wrong and what to go forward with, you don't have to fight for everything just because a POA member wants to, and you know this is wrong.

Times are changing wrote on Nov 8, 2007 8:57 AM:...for the worse. Whether it is because of the "what's in it for me" generation or whatever, no one thinks that people should be underpaid or cheated, but many jobs have lots of give and take. It is a shame that some feel that they need to be paid every time they even think about their job. Perhaps if the officers really felt slighted, they should have negotiated for better pay when the issue cold have been addressed during contract negotiations? And for those officers writing about being embarrased, keep your chins up, OPD is a good department, even with all of the special interest groups doing their own thing. Just some cops see dedication differently than others do. I truly hope that some can see past their wallets and look at the damage that can occur in the future with this mentality.

esteban wrote on Nov 8, 2007 8:58 AM:esteban....use another name!!!!! This is not a lawsuit...next time your contract is up, bargain for more wages...don't sue!!!!! You only screw yourselves.

Greed wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:26 AM:Quit being such cry babies, if you don't appreciate the K9 unit, give it to someone else.

Top Cop wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:37 AM:To you Oceanside Officers this is NOT an OPOA lawsuit. These are individuals who feel they have been wronged. This is no different than the Sexual Harrassment suits that get filed. Everyone has the right to sue, as Lt. Shawn Murray is doing. You Oceanside Officers do not know what you are talking about. The Chief of Police and the City will settle because they know they will lose in a court of law. Good job K9 officers. Don't be bullied by The Chief or his Command.

to oceanside officer wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:42 AM:your embarrassed? what about one of your Lieutenants suing our deparment because he did not get promoted. I work at the department too and I DO support these officers. Talk about an embarrassment. I am embarrassed that I have to work with you. I am ebarrassed that Shawn Murray is suing the department. I am more embarrassed that the Chief will not comment on all of these lawsuits that have erupted since he took over the department. Bottom line is the city will settle because they know they will lose. Mullen get a clue.

Oceanside Officers wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:46 AM:I hope I get to sit on the jury panel because I do agree with the handlers. The FSLA is very specific. The city might not like it but if you violate it not only will the city pay the officers, they will also have to pay fines and attorney costs. Don't back down. Stay the course.

Worried wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:10 AM:Wow with such comments made against their co-workers I sure hope the K-9 officers don't need back up any time soon. Seems to me these issues should have been agreed to during contract negotiations not in a lawsuit! Police Departments don't need situations like this dividing members of the department! What a shame...I can only imagine what the work enviorment must be like for those K-9 officers involved.

JC of Vista wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:51 AM:Simple solution. Pull the K9 officers off the program and put them back into a regular patrol car, sell the dogs to another agency who wants them, disband the program and do without a K9 partner. Next thing you know, these officers will want overtime pay for going to the bathroom because they ate the food or drank the coffee during their duty day. I have been in law enforcement for nearly 30 years. I spent (and spend) a lot of time (off the clock) polishing my leather and brass, re-reading my reports, etc. while off duty. I do not turn off being a cop simply because I am off the clock. I don’t think anyone who cares about their profession does. But then, maybe I'm just an old-timer.

Root Cause? wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:26 AM:Everyone should stop and consider what the root cause is of all the lawsuits that are currently filed against the City in the Superior Court. There are multiple lawsuits filed by employees not just in the police department. What is causing all this? This is where the news story really should be!

Top Cop is not on the TOP of His/Her Game! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:37 AM:Your right everyone has the “right” to sue for what they “feel” is a violation of their personal rights. Doesn’t mean your right in your suit, it means you found a attorney willing to take your money and hope they get a settlement. In this case there is a big difference in a Sexual Harassment and a dispute over pay for what they are calling “extra duties”. The first being harassment suit are unwanted or repeat offenses committed against a person effecting their work performance or emotional well being. This suit is based on the fact they are not happy with the pay they are receiving, and correct me if I am wrong, the OFFICERS applied to be those positions, the OFFICERS sought that experience to advance their careers, just as someone that would take extra night classes at community college or taking on additional projects to gain experience that might not be available in their current position. These are choices the officers made, why punish the citizens city budget because they are upset? And if you were on the Top of your game you would understand that the Chief, his command, Human Resources, city officials can’t actually comment on any lawsuit for the simple fact that attorney’s will spin any statement to fit their case. It’s a HUGE liability for city’s legal options. If you only knew (as I do, working in HR for 17 years) that at least 90% of the cases are settled because the cost of the legal wrangling and that if it wasn’t so costly these people would lose. They don’t have a case, they have a crafty lawyer.

DOWNTOWN DAVE wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:41 AM:Proving once again this society has gone to the dogs

Response to : Oceanside Officer wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:58 AM:Is that one of the Captains or command staff posing as an Oceanside Officer? Command Staff trying to pressure the rank and file! The command staff is hated by the rank and file as they get huge salaries and go home after only 20 hrs a week. Then when an officer puts in for an hr or two of real overtime, they threatens us! It is against Federal Law! I know it's uncomfortable for other officers to experience this, but the Command Staff is being thugs about it! Just pay the officer what they are doing! It doesn't have to be like this! The command staff created this!

Yeah where are the comments fro the Chief! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:02 PM:Where is the leadership?

You notice something! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:06 PM:The police department changed it's Chief. But yet the problems still linger! Maybe some of the old guard from the middle management are still up thier old pranks and they need to change! That is the problem! ake charge! These K-9 Officers are being bullied and now the command staff has pressured them to sue. Well, the command staff creatd this! It isn't the officers, or the union. It is the lack of leadership in the deparment! Leadership by example! Where is it?

Morale is at an all time low in this PD! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:09 PM:The same things are going on that have always gone on! The Command Staff, are never around and when they are it's payback and threats time! So I rather not be bother by their empty promises! This seem to all show it self in Vegas last year! You need strong solid leadership not threats and good ole boy system!

I know why don't we promote them! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:10 PM:That seemed to silence newly promoted Lt. John Anderson! Former OPOA President!

Curt wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:11 PM:Are the dogs suing, or is it just the officers?

To K9 Officers in lawsuit From Oside Resident wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:14 PM:You need to step outside your box for a moment and realize that most "professionals" do extra work that is off the clock. Teachers grade papers, make lesson plans, spend their own money, etc. Nurses spend countless hours reading professional journals and participate in professional organizations (of which they pay the membership dues themselves) - all to keep their skills up to par. These are just two examples - do some thinking and I am certain you will come up with more. Do you think teachers and nurses want to spend their own time and money on these things - of course not. But do they do it because they want to be the best at their profession that they can possibly be - YES! Every job has its perks and downfalls. From what I can tell, it appears that you receive 10% more, 4 hrs extra pay, overtime compensation and take your vehicle home - those are some good perks! As for downfalls, you certainly will spend time with the dog that is uncompensated, but that just goes with the territory. Do you want your dog healthy? Do you want your dog to have the best training? Do you want to have the best relationship/communication with your dog - of course. So get over it or hand the position to the long list of officers who would love the opportunity. You should be proud of the fact that you do all you do and that you have dedicated yourself to being the best possible. If you would have this attitude, others will praise you for what you are doing as well. Honor, dignity, and pride are worth much more than the extra money you are asking for. While I can see the need for a clause that would compensate you for special circumstances (i.e. - dog is very ill and requiring significant more time to care for), what you are asking for falls under the duties you signed up for. The only other exception I can think of is if there is some underlying issue that is not being spoken about; if this is the case, please enlighten us. I have 3 family members who are police officers, so I can say without a doubt how thankful I am for all that you do. I sincerely hope and pray you all come to a dignified resolution in the near future.

You know what this means! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:20 PM:Now that this is in the news! The rank and file will pay yet again. Command Staff will put more pressure on all of us! Like they have been since the last lawsuit was publicized. Get ready men and women of OPD for more fallout and miserably work environment. Talk about a dark day in the police department! This should have been handled out of court! But the leadership seems inacapable to handle it! You have to know your people and treat them fairly without favoritism or fraternazation!

TO: JC wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:25 PM:Well SAID!

Chim CHim wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:47 PM:All I can say is "Thats the name of the game." Full Fledged.

Lawsuits are a symptom of a bigger problem! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:54 PM:Feelings – not money – drive an employee to the lawyer's office and into the court system. The vast majority of normal people file charges because they don't feel valued, respected and listened to. When employees are not treated fairly, litigation can carry immense psychic and otherwise perceived benefits – to “show” the company that they were wronged, to be taken seriously, etc. What is the Command Staff doing?

Find new jobs! Other departments are hiring! wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:04 PM:No wonder people want to find new jobs. They have taken on more responsibilities and toil longer hours for the same pay. Leaders are seen as out-of-touch and incapable. Burnout is rampant. And the fear of losing one's job often postpones badly-needed vacations to recharge, causing even more burnout. If they don't value you sue and go!

Too Late To Complain wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:06 PM:If you didn't like the compensation then you shouldn't have agreed to the contract. But you did ... and now you have to live with it. At least until the next negotiations. You don't get the change the rules in the middle of the game ... absolutely ridiculous. I hope the lawsuit is thrown out and those who filed it are made to appropriately compensate all parties for having filed something so frivolous.

Response to : Times are changing wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:07 PM:Another Command Staff comments in an attempt to squash the voice of Officers who are not being heard! They aren't the only ones! Leaders you need to listen to your people!

These commnets toward the K-9 offices sure does seem hostile wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:08 PM:I like how we harrass the officers who asking to be heard! The law is the law! FSLA. Leadership by example!

What part of my blog violates your policy NCT? wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:20 PM:That does it! It is time for Oceanside to get rid of these over paid bums! Hells bring in the San Diego sheriffs and get rid of the OPD contract. City needs to take responsibility for their finances and the OPD Association needs to be stopped. Folks the OPD’s Officers Association just sent out their massive mailers asking for MONEY! For what? For their campaigns to line the pockets of their choice candidates, I wonder who they are? I lost all respect for OPD.

Just take the wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:20 PM:dog to a kennel when your shift is over, and pick him up the next morning while you are on the clock. City don't want to pay you, then they can pay for kennel keep.

To Top Cop wrote on Nov 8, 2007 2:24 PM:Give me a break, If in fact you are a cop or a Previous cop, you know how the OPOA works. Of course it isn't a OPOA lawsuit by definition but you know darn well how it works. Go to the OPOA complain, you know for a fact the attorney for these cops is the OPOA attorney, they didn't go out and hire one. And for everyone else complaining about other things, stick to the facts of the story. How does Shawn Murray have anything to do with the K9 suit. Your hate for Murray is showing through, get over it. And to Oceanside Officers that mentioned FSLA, make sure the officers that want above and beyond what they agreed too, per contract, are only taking their required breaks and code 7 time per FSLA (which is a half hour), nothing extra. Trust me it is funny when some of the rules the officers bend benifit them, nothing is said, but find something that is on the other side they want to complain. For all the officers that are continually complaining, and hating the staff and the department,I will repeat this statement from a famous retired OPD cop. " If you don't like it, 31 Flavors is always hiring"

Times are changing wrote on Nov 8, 2007 2:37 PM:Nope, I am not command staff, are you OPOA or a plaintiff? Seriously, if a take home car, added pay that can be increased with negotiation and the perks of being in an "elite" unit are not enough, then if I was in the command staff, I would take a careful look at this canine assignment. The review would cover things such as being cost effective, effective in crime fighting, and worth keeping as opposed to just an occasionally successful perk job with non stop issues. Wronged officers? The same ones who basically want to be paid for walking through the PD parking lot on the way to work? Try getting something like that in the private sector. Pay and benefits are very good for the OPD. Enough is enough.

to I know why dont we promote them wrote on Nov 8, 2007 5:01 PM:I believe Anderson was one of the BEST OPOA Presidents the OPOA has ever had. Yes, he promoted but dont blame him for this mess. This is NOT his fight. If we had more command staff like him, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Huh? wrote on Nov 8, 2007 5:46 PM:Okay fine. They want more money for the "extras" they have to do? Give it to them. Then, back charge them for the free home security system with four legs. These K9 officers get yet another perk in the form of a trained police dog to guard their homes and families. Doesn't THAT have a value? Do they claim it on their taxes? Silly, this whole thing is.

Need to call PETA on this one wrote on Nov 8, 2007 6:01 PM: It sounds like these cops don't have much love or respect for the K9 dogs assigned to them. In my opinion the very fact that they filed such frivolous lawsuit tells me they have no business taking care of these valuable K9 dogs. Maybe someone else that has more appreciation for the hard work and companionship these K9 dogs bring should take over their care.

Karl wrote on Nov 8, 2007 6:54 PM:Good job JC.

K9zRock wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:59 PM:Hand over all the unwanted, unloved, "bothersome" K-9 Officers to me!

Lisa wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:09 PM:You can drop the dogs off at my house. I will be more than happy to take care of these loyal canines that do anything you ask of them without complaining about working over time. I guess love is not as powerful the mighty dollar.

jvc wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:19 PM:So, to protect and serve is all about money?

to jvc wrote on Nov 9, 2007 5:57 AM:no its all about "give me MORE money"

SDSO wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:58 AM:Wassssup Ricci!!!!!! Howz Florida????

FTM wrote on Nov 9, 2007 8:56 AM:Well, this is going to be a hot potato indeed. It looks like there will be a new policy put in place similar to what the people get in schools that do extra stuff like bilingual and counseling. The officers will get a STIPEND. That will be part of the job. If the STIPEND is not enough, the dog can go to another officer. There is no way we are going to loose the police dogs. They are some of the best officers on the force, and the citizens will not stand for it. The handlers might go, but the dogs will stay. Anything less will get Mayor Woods and Chief McCoy out of this town on a rail so fast it will mae thier heads spin. The residents will NOT allow officer dog to be fired. Thats a givin. I suppose it's okay to let handlers get more money for taking care of the dogs, but this lawsuit is not going to make them look godd, and if Chief McCoy takes away officer dog and gives him to new handlers I will not be surprized, nor will I be all that upset based on the way the handlers are "handleing" this.

Norm wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:00 AM:I'm am sure glad the dogs can't read, they would be so dissapointed in their handlers, but don't forget they have scences that are far better than ours and they can scence when things aren't right. For the human officers, don't be surprised if you ask your K-9 to go get a subject and he sits down and looks at you, he wants his over time.

jvc wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:18 AM:Dogs should be taught to be able to read their time cards!

The K-9 lawsuit in wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:23 AM:Oceanside can be summed up in just a few words...greed-greed-greed! Hang your head in shame. Next time I see any K9 officer in Oceanside I will take a long hard look at him and think "are you one of the greedy ones"?

TRUTH wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:02 PM:This issue is addressed under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Department of Labor has consistantly held that work related time outside of an employees normal 40 hr work week is compensible time and is to be paid at time and one half compensation. The K9 handlers didn't make this law up. This is federal labor law and the city is violating it. This issue was brought to the attention of the city long before a lawsuit was ever filed, and they thumbed their nose at it. If the city had taken a little time to research the case law on this issue and acted responsibly, there wouldn't be a lawsuit. The truth will prevail in this issue and it will be shown that this was not about selfishness or greed on the handlers part, but because of fiduciary irresponsibilty on behalf of a few city administrators who refused to research this issue when it was first brought to their attention.

Bill wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:19 PM:The officers who are the handlers of these K-9s knew that the doga are not 9-5ers, they don't know when the 40 hour work week is up, they need care 24/7 as they will return the favor 10 times more. The FLSA rules should be different for these handlers, and if they don't think it is within the law, then don't be a K-9 handler and stick to the regular patrol. The dogs deserve better.

The K9 Lawsuit joke de jour; wrote on Nov 9, 2007 6:10 PM:Just when you think it can not get any more stupid at the Police Department. We should hurry up and pay these demands before the OPA organizes the dogs and comes in to bargin on their behalf!

24 Hour Work Days? wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:04 PM:It sounds like these K-9 handlers think they should get time and a half for every off shift hour in a 24 hour day simply because they chose to become a K-9 unit that requires 24/7 care of an animal. Aside from how ridiculous that idea is ... they signed a union contract for the compensation they are currently receiving. If you don't like it then don't take the assignment ... don't sign the contract and (most importantly) ... FIND ANOTHER JOB!!!!

Amanda wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:45 PM:I will take one of these K9 home with me no problem. Where can I pick one up? These OPD officers don't deserve to have these K9 someone should investigate these officers is there a DHHS for dogs we can call on to see if they are mentall fit to care for these K9?

TRUTH wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:41 PM:Come on folks, I assume you all are gainfully employed. What if you found out that your employer wasn't compensating your properly. You were only being paid at your regular hourly rate, but discovered that your employer should have been paying you at an hourly overtime rate. And lets say, hypothetically, you went to your employer, on a low key level, and advised them that they were violating federal labor laws and respectively asked if they could just correct the pay issue, but they ignored you and refused to compensate you properly as defined under federal law. Would you not stand up for yourself? Would you not take a stand for something you are entitled to recieve under the law? Or would you just blow it off because of your "dedication" and "love of the job"? Lets get real here. This isn't about greed. This is about principle and right and wrong. Instead of correcting an obvious error without involving attorneys and lawsuits, the city chose to spend more tax payer money trying to fight an issue that could have cost them much less in the long run had they just used some good judgment and common sense.

NC Times 1 year ago! wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:19 PM:(Didn't take long for things to go south!) Union unrest In Oceanside, McCoy also must find a way to mend fences with the police officer's union, which represents about 230 rank-and-file sworn and nonsworn employees. McCoy said he had already heard there had been some friction between the union and police management. But he said his outsider status may help. "That's one of my goals, to build a bridge between the two," he said. "I think one of the advantages of being an outside chief is that I do not have the history to contend with." Three different groups in civil court! Not good!

These comments are stupid! wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:22 PM:The city is hosing the officers and that is ut! If it pans out, them so be it!

Change the law! wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:24 PM:This type of thing comes as a start of not listening.

Where is the made rush to apply ot the PD? wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:26 PM:Where are all those who comment here. Come make a difference! We are hring if you aren't a criminal, drug user, or mental. That's what I thought! Just loud mouths! Become a cop and then talk!

Integrity - Where did it go?! wrote on Nov 10, 2007 7:02 AM:I hope the citizens who read these blogs realize that the INDIVIDUALS (regardless which side of the issue they are on) speaking out on this issue are only a small fraction of OPD and do not represent the majority of the agency. It is a privilige to be able to work in law enforcement, despite the long hours, having to witness the horrible things people do to each other, and fellow officers who feel they deserve special treatment, whatever the issue. I am proud to be a member of the Oceanside Police Department and realized a long time ago that everything balances out in the end without having to constantly sue, file grievances, or demand financial compensation for each minute outside of the regular work day etc... The Community needs to know that MOST officers at OPD enjoy coming to work, have a great time at work, and go home to their families feeling greatful for their career choice and knowing they are making a difference in other people's lives.

To Ingegity OPD officer From Oside Mama wrote on Nov 10, 2007 11:13 AM:Thank you for your post, it is reassuring to hear your perspective regarding these issues and the fact that you speak of integrity. If people would pay a little attention, they would see that good morals and values such as integrity would solve a lot of the issues we have today. Good luck with the OPD issues - hope a resolution is found soon.

Heather wrote on Nov 11, 2007 6:52 PM:Shame on these K-9 officers for wanting to get paid for taking care of their dog. You wife and children sleep at night under the protection of a POLICE DOG! It should be a priviledge to have one of these dogs in your home. You ungrateful little whiners. I'm supprised they didn't ask to be paid for picking up after their dogs, too. Shame on you. If your dogs are such a burden on you and you're financially struggling because of it, then give your dog to another officer and go back to riding bikes and writing traffic tickets.

Derick wrote on Nov 11, 2007 9:01 PM:Who screens these officers to be handlers? Have they ever owned a dog before? Any resposible dog owner knows that there is time invovled with owning a dog, including feeding bathing, walking and so on. Extremely pathetic of these officers. ...

jvc wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:32 AM:And they say they are our best friends!

OCEANSIDE LOCAL wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:55 PM:ANOTHER PROBLEM ON THE LIST FOR OCEANSIDE. HAVING ALL THESE DISGRUNTLED OFFICERS ON THE STREETS CAN'T BE GOOD I HOPE THEY DONT START TAKING EVEN LONGER TO SHOW UP FOR AN EMERGENCY. THIS IS EFFECTING THE WAY OCEANSIDE IS LOOKING AT YOU OFFICERS. HOW EMBARASSING TO HAVE YOUR OFFICE POLITICS PLAYED OUT IN THE LOCAL PAPER

What does the Chief have to say? wrote on Nov 25, 2007 5:15 PM:Maybe at the next town hall meeting!