Several law enforcement associations continue to use the PBA for comparison in their recruiting efforts. They readily acknowledge the PBA as the standard bearer by claiming that their association can do what the PBA does but for less money. This method of recruiting would be humorous, at some level, if not for the seriousness of proper member representation in today’s law enforcement climate and the fact that the information is misleading, if not false. The reality is that some officers fall for this line without realizing the serious implications of what they are doing.

The biggest mistake is joining an association without a complete review of their legal package. For the PBA member, this package is clearly defined. With the approval of the chapter board, the PBA provides staff/attorney representation in administrative cases where members have been unfairly disciplined as a result of a duty-related action. The PBA will also provide an attorney to protect the individual interests of a member if they are named as a defendant in any civil or criminal actions arising out of their duties as a law enforcement officer. This benefit is an automatic benefit with NO CAP or LIMIT. This coverage includes an attorney responding to the scene of on-duty shootings or serious injuries arising from the actions of a member. This representation not only attaches at the inception of a case, but continues throughout the defense of the member and covers all costs associated with any covered case. The cost to retain an experienced attorney and to hire an expert witness to defend a case can easily exceed $50,000. The PBA is on record with defending members in amounts well over $100,000. The PBA also has developed a network of attorneys throughout the Southeast that can respond in a member’s geographical area. These attorneys and staff representatives are available 24 hours a day through a hotline number that is available to members. A timely response by an attorney is one of the most critical components in defending a law enforcement officer in a shooting or a serious injury situation. Other associations that try to sell their services on price alone conveniently fail to mention this and other facts about their legal plan. They simply play on the paycheck of a potential member as a recruiting tool.

As with any purchase, the proof is always in the details, and the PBA’s benefit package doesn’t end with legal representation. The PBA’s accidental death benefit is also second to none of any law enforcement association in the business. If a member is killed in the line of duty, their beneficiary will receive the member’s base salary for one year up to $60,000. These member’s families also have a direct line to the Police Benevolent Foundation where additional funds can be contributed by businesses and members of the community. These contributions are tax deductible and 100% of these funds go directly to the member’s families.

Associations that promote the “same for less” theory should also have to explain their record in the political process and the General Assembly. The PBA candidate interview and endorsement process continues to lead from the front as a critical benefit to members. This process requires that political candidates meet with PBA members and answer questions of vital importance to law enforcement and members represented by the PBA. Based on the candidates’ responses in a graded format, endorsements are given to selected candidates. This political process has led to more sponsored, supported, or authored legislation in the General Assembly than all the other North Carolina law enforcement groups combined.

At the end of the day, the choice is clear. The PBA has a benefits package and record of accomplishment that is unsurpassed by any other association representing police officers in North Carolina. Other associations can claim to do what the PBA does for less, but the truth is this……You get what you pay for. No officer would want their vehicle, equipment, or training shortchanged for a few dollars. Why would they accept anything less in protecting their careers and their families?