Dear Sisters and Brothers,

              As 2022 comes to a close I wanted to take a moment to summarize this year’s accomplishments and look forward at some of what to expect in 2023.

              Although it often feels longer, 2022 was my first full year as the Executive Director of the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO).  I can tell each of you, without hesitation, it has been an absolute honor and privilege to have the opportunity to assist your associations and you individually.  I look forward to continuing to do so into the future.  That said, you have all kept me very busy this year.  Some of the highlights are as follows:

• I arbitrated several matters in Henderson, several cases against Clark County as well as a case in Elko and a case against the State of Nevada.  We won every arbitration decision we have received thus far;
• In addition, I have participated in successful contract negotiations for seven (7) different associations around the state and agreed on two additional contracts after impasse was declared.  Thus, a total of nine (9) contracts were concluded this year.  Two additional associations are proceeding with fact finding as their contracts remain at impasse; 
• We have added two new associations to NAPSO this year and another is expecting to join in early 2023;
• I responded to over a half dozen OIS’s around the state and thankfully none of our members were significantly injured during these events.  Every OIS was determined to have been justified;
• In addition to arbitrations and contract negotiations, NAPSO (via its law firms) has been involved with several significant legal proceedings that have had statewide implications.   We have seen the Nevada Supreme Court issue a ruling that affirms that NRS 289 allows peace officers to choose their own representatives for a potential disciplinary matter.  NAPSO is involved with litigation directly related to this issue.  Additionally, NAPSO has obtained Court rulings affirming our associations’ rights to grieve violations of policy by the employer;
• I negotiated several civil monetary settlements on behalf of NAPSO members;
• I conducted “Union 101” training for several different associations around the state;
• I represented the Henderson Police unions before the City Council and in the media with their labor difficulties with the City relative to the Chief of Police;
• All the while we have also continued to represent every member who has requested assistance at any form of potential disciplinary hearing.  I have attended internal affairs interviews in every corner of the state and have learned the roadways in and around Mesquite, Lyon County, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Ely and Winnemucca. 

I am not only proud of the excellent results that we achieved for every matter that we were involved in, large or small, but I am equally proud of the fact that I have made certain that every member received a call back from me (along with some form of help from NAPSO) almost immediately after it was requested.  It remains my commitment to answer all of your requests for help as fast as you all respond to calls for service.

Despite these excellent results and accomplishments, there remain many challenges facing us in 2023.  As you know, 2023 is a legislative year.   As such, there remains the potential for additional attempts by the legislature to water-down the Peace Officer Bill of Rights (NRS 289).  Additionally, there is sure to be additional legislation that we will need to have input on as it will potentially affect some or all of our members.  Therefore, Rick McCann has been hired specifically to be our full-time lobbyist in Carson City during the legislative session.  While I will attend meetings and sessions as needed, it should be comforting for you all to know that we have someone with Rick’s background, experience and gravitas working there day and night. 

Additionally, there are several associations poised to begin contract negotiations next year along with the couple that will be heading to impasse arbitration.  There are also several EMRB matters that will heard in the coming year.  Thus, it is not hard to envision another busy year ahead.

Finally, I would like to close this letter by again emphasizing what an honor it has been for me to represent all of you this past year.  Better still, I am very lucky to have so many new friends.  I wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe 2023 and I look forward to continuing to serve you as the Executive Director of NAPSO.

In Unity,

Andrew