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Dan Demler President Harvey Mills Vice President Chadwick Goben Treasurer Russel l Lupica Secretary James Burns Chaplain James Cauffman Conductor Cori Bair Guard Kyle Bil inski 1st Jeremy Siade 2nd Jeff Ransberger 3rd Trustees

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36

P.O. Box 299 South Bend, Indiana

46624-0299

*** PRESS RELEASE *** July 9, 2015 Were disappointed that Bike the Bend cited a lack of support from the Fraternal Order of Police as a reason for cancelling the event. It is a voluntary public safety assignment for officers to work special events approved by the Board of Public Works. This is made clear to organizers, and many plan accordingly, working with officers to make adjustments that ensure public safety and accommodate the staffing needs of the police force. With the 2015 Bike the Bend scheduled soon after the extensive SB150 events, suggestions were made by police to move the event to the fall or keep it in May as in previous years, and making route changes to incorporate more bike paths and increase rider safety on roads with limited vehicle traffic. It was also made known that their vision required 50 officers, roughly 20 percent of our workforce. Bike the Bend organizers agreed to make a minimal change in the route only. The timing and route of Bike the Bend as planned made it unlikely that there would be that many available officers. This resistance, coming after Bike the Bend did not compensate officers the full amount for their time in 2014, citing rider complaints, did prompt the FOP to discuss the matter. Even if one is unhappy with the level of service, when an agreement is made and an employee shows up and performs his or her duties, one cannot decide to withhold compensation. In the planning stages, police officers serve as partners with organizers, not their employees, offering our expertise in promoting public safety to help make an event a success. The FOP confirmed with our attorney that not signing up for voluntary overtime is not a work stoppage or job action. Its a matter of choosing personal time over an extra shift. Whether or not to work the 2015 Bike the Bend remained a voluntary, individual decision for officers, as it is for all special events. Chief Teachman was correct when he stated in June that not all special events can be staffed with police officers, especially one with a plan that requires 20 percent of the force. Bike the Bend organizers showed little willingness to consider the concerns expressed or changes suggested by officers, who have extensive experience serving in a wide variety of events. South Bend Police work regularly in partnership with event organizers to develop plans that promote safety first and foremost, and maximize the use of existing resources in both personnel and infrastructure. We remain open to working with Bike the Bend organizers in the future, as we do and have with all other event organizers and participants. Dan Demler President FOP #36