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From Our Newsletter

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May 9, 2026
Cities Unlawfully Refused To Bargain Over FOIA Pre-Disclosure Procedures
In 2020, the New York State Legislature repealed Civil Rights Law § 50-a, which, since 1976, had provided absolute protection for police officers’, corrections officers’, and certain peace officers’ personnel records used to evaluate job perfor­mance. The same legislative package added amendments to
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April 11, 2026
Court Rejects Late First Amendment Challenge To Termination
William Shelton was a police officer employed by the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) in Ohio. Outside of his police duties, Shelton also performed as a rap artist and maintained several public social-media accounts. Although supervisors were aware that Shelton made music, his public Y
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March 14, 2026
Trooper’s “Highly Unbecoming” Conduct Towards Coworkers At After-Hours Event Did Not Warrant Termination
A Michigan State Police Trooper was intoxicated at a Michigan State Police Troopers Association (MSPTA) event and engaged in serious misconduct. Surveil­lance video showed the trooper placing her fingers into the “anal crevice” of a male coworker, striking another coworker in the genitals, and attem
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First Thursday Podcast

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46:01

May 7, 2026
First Thursday, May 2026
The rise of gambling apps has created an multitude of issues, and the public safety labor environment has not been immune from its effects. In this episode of First Thursday, Rick Poulson explores this rapidly growing issue and its implications for public safety agencies. Sparked by both personal ob
, 05/07/2026

55:50

March 5, 2026
First Thursday, April 2026
Upcoming seminars from LRIS (00:01:12)The CasesCourt Rejects Late First Amendment Challenge to “Talk My S**t” Termination, Shelton v Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (6th Cir. 2026)(00:02:40)No ULP When Citgy Refused To Make Firefighters Whole For W-2 Errors, Rochester Fire Fighters Ass’n v.
, 03/05/2026

57:11

March 5, 2026
First Thursday, March 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the case United States v. Hemani. The case deals with whether federal criminal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which makes it a felony for an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance to possess a firearm, is constitutional when it is used to pr
, 03/05/2026

45:10

February 5, 2026
First Thursday, February 2026
Employers often try to win disputes by focusing on technical definitions or procedural arguments. They will apply a narrow definition to an employee’s workplace right and reframe the dispute so the protection seems not to apply.All four cases covered in this month’s podcast are examples of this tact
, 02/05/2026

36:34

January 15, 2026
First Thursday, January 2026, Part 2
In part two of this month’s podcast, Rick offers his predictions for 2026 for three different categories.The economy – boom or bust? (00:02:10)Recruitment and retention – will federal agencies poach local law enforcement officers? (00:14:40)The courts – big changes in equal opportunity. (00:23:37)
, 01/15/2026

01:02:58

January 8, 2026
First Thursday, January 2026, Part 1
A look back, a look ahead.We took January 1 off for the New Year’s Day holiday, so this First Thursday episode is posting on the second Thursday. We will be posting a bonus episode on the third Thursday (and you thought there were no more Christmas gifts coming).This episode will cover what Rick thi
, 01/08/2026

Recent News

The Rise Of Moral Distress: How ‘Make It Work’ Is Slowly Breaking The Fire Service
05/14/2026
Fire service leaders don’t lose sleep because the job is dangerous; we lose sleep when we know what the right move is but can’t make it. That is moral distress, and it can be heavy.The term moral distress first appeared in healthcare research decades ago to describe what happens when professionals k
Henderson, Nevada Police Tout ‘Near Zero’ Vacancy After 4-Year Labor Shortage
05/14/2026
HENDERSON, NV — In 2022, two Henderson police officers stood watch at a crime scene while grumbling about a labor shortage. Four years later, the complaint appeared distant to the police chief as the department touts a “near-zero” vacancy rate.The Henderson Police Department revealed training had be
Montana City To Pay $900,000 To Firefighters After Arbitrator Rules In Favor Of Union
05/14/2026
HELENA, MT — The Helena Firefighters labor union says they’ve been fighting for fair wages for their staff since 2024. Recently, an arbitrator determined the city of Helena will need to pay $900,000 in back pay distributed between 36 firefighters after failing to negotiate a new salary contract in 2
Pleasanton Crime Falls As Police Boost Pay, Staffing
05/08/2026
PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton City Council will review a new labor agreement with the Pleasanton Police Officers Association, and hear a presentation from the department regarding local crime trends.The council will first receive a presentation on local trends in property and violent crime. Accord

Meet the Speakers

Michael Loconto
Ryan Hancock
Thomas Gribbin
Ben Albrecht
Richard Poulson

Attendees

Stephanie Northcutt
Siara Goyer
Ryne Rapp
Jasom Lammert
Matt Sproch
Patrick Chesney
Nina Gharibian
Zachary Malizia