I think the city of Los Angeles is being perfectly reasonable in seeking financial disclosure from police who handle large quantities of seized cash. Assuming the financial data will be properly protected (a safe assumption?) this request is no different from the expectations that already lie on many other professionals with access to valuable assets. Naturally the police union is up in arms.
Los Angeles, CA. According to Hank Hernandez, chief legal counsel of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), the City of Los Angeles entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the police union four years ago. And now the City is attempting to change the agreement that was negotiated in good faith. Hernandez says the Police Commission’s vote to require gang and narcotic officers to disclose their personal finances is “unacceptable.”The FULL DISCLOSURE NETWORK® presents an exclusive eleven minute Video News Blog featuring Hernandez, a former LAPD Lt. who has served for over 20 years as the legal counsel to the Los Angeles police union. He describes the Federal Consent Decree as the reason the Police Commission voted to require financial disclosure. Among the disclosure requirements for gang and narcotic officers, to be implemented within ten days of the vote are:
- List of assets, investments and liabilities, even if jointly owned.
- Proof of bank accounts and mortgages with statements.
- Individual financial disclosures to be reviewed and questioned.
- Positions could be denied based upon the review.
Hernandez also describes how the LAPPL is advising the officers whether or not to comply and suggests the perils when an employer requires employees to turn over their personal information.