Advertise on podcast: On the Job with PORAC

In this episode of On the Job with PORAC, Brian Marvel sits down with Mark Nichols, Executive Director, and Juan Viramontes, President, of the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation (CPOMF) for a powerful and forward-looking conversation centered on the expansion of the California Peace Officers Memorial.   The discussion highlights why the Memorial must grow to meet the needs of the future, creating permanent space for fallen officers’ names, improving accessibility for surviving families, and ensuring the Memorial remains a place of dignity, reflection, and remembrance for generations to come. Mark and Juan share how the Memorial serves as a critical point of healing for families and why thoughtful design and permanence matter deeply to survivors.   The central focus of the episode is the Memorial expansion project, a transformative investment that goes beyond construction. The conversation outlines the vision behind the expansion, the symbolism built into its design, the urgency of fundraising efforts, and how PORAC members, associations, and supporters can play a direct role in bringing this historic project to life. This episode reinforces that honoring the fallen is not a moment in time, but a lasting responsibility, and that the Memorial expansion is essential to preserving that legacy.   Connect and Learn More California Peace Officers Memorial Fund https://camemorial.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capeaceofficersmemorial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAPeaceOfficersMemorial   Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/  

For California peace officers, retirement planning extends far beyond pensions. Access to affordable, stable health care after retirement remains one of the most significant concerns facing law enforcement professionals and their families. The PORAC Retiree Medical Trust (RMT) was created to address that challenge, providing long-term retiree health care solutions designed specifically for public safety professionals. As medical costs rise and traditional retiree benefits continue to shift, RMT plays a critical role in ensuring officers can retire with confidence and security. This episode focuses on a deep dive into how RMT works, why early planning matters, and how PORAC members can better prepare for a healthy and financially stable retirement.   Connect and Learn More https://poracrmt.org/ Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault

The 2025 legislative year was one of the most dynamic in recent memory — marked by shifting political winds, high-profile public safety debates, and major legislative fights with direct consequences for California’s peace officers. PORAC successfully advanced key bills strengthening training, education, wellness, due process, and workers’ rights, while pushing back against proposals that undermine officer safety or impose unrealistic operational burdens. At the same time, major challenges — particularly SB 627, the “No Secret Police Act” — highlighted how quickly the narrative around law enforcement can shift, and how essential PORAC’s advocacy is at the Capitol. Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault

In this episode, PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Manny Alvarez, Executive Director of POST, to unpack California Penal Code 830 – the foundation that defines who qualifies as a peace officer in the state of California. Together, they explore how PC 830 has evolved into a patchwork of statutes over the years, why it may be time to modernize and streamline its structure, and what thoughtful reform could mean for officer clarity, accountability, and consistency statewide. The conversation also touches on POST’s ongoing work to maintain high professional standards, ensure accountability, and support officers through training, certification, and public trust initiatives.   Whether you’re a seasoned officer, new recruit, or simply interested in understanding how peace officer authority is defined and applied across California, this episode provides clear, essential insights straight from POST’s leadership.   Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault

In the latest episode of On the Job with PORAC, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault set the record straight on Senate Bill 627 — a deeply flawed new law that eliminates crucial legal protections for local peace officers. Brian and Ben break down the misinformation surrounding the bill, explain why it is both unconstitutional and dangerous to public safety, and discuss how PORAC led the statewide fight against it. They also share how PORAC is continuing that fight by working with the legislature on a cleanup bill next session to correct the issues created by this rushed and confusing new law. Connect and Learn More   Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault

In the latest episode of the On the Job With PORAC podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by PORAC-endorsed CalPERS Board candidates Jose Luis Pacheco and Dom Bei. The conversation highlights their vision for ensuring California’s pension system delivers on its core promise: securing stable retirements for the fund's 2.3 million members. They discuss fiduciary responsibility, the importance of prioritizing returns over ESJ or values-based investing, and the need for long-term strategies that adapt to global and budgetary challenges. Pacheco and Bei also emphasize strengthening accountability on the CalPERS Board, stabilizing leadership turnover, creating strong performance incentives for investment staff, and increasing member engagement to ensure every voice is heard.   Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault Resources   Dom Bei https://www.beiforcalpers.com/   Jose Luis Pacheco https://www.pachecoforcalpers.com/

In today’s ever-evolving political landscape, protecting the rights, benefits, and well-being of law enforcement professionals requires more than just strong representation—it demands strategic, proactive advocacy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the legislative priorities shaping the future of California’s law enforcement community. PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by Randy Perry, PORAC’s longtime lobbyist and principal at Perry Strategies, to break down PORAC’s new policy platform. Together, they explore the most pressing issues facing peace officers today—from recruitment and retention challenges to mental health resources, workers’ compensation reform, and public safety funding. With over two decades of experience navigating California’s complex legislative environment, Randy offers invaluable insight into how PORAC builds bipartisan support, protects member interests, and drives meaningful policy change in Sacramento. Stay informed, stay engaged—because when it comes to shaping the future of law enforcement, your voice matters. Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: / brianmarvel Facebook: / brian.r.marvel LinkedIn: / brianmarvel   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: / btherriault   #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

In today's world, protecting those who protect and serve extends beyond physical safety—it also encompasses financial security. In this episode, we address a growing threat that's affecting law enforcement officers and their families: financial scams. President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Jill Alves, Vice President of Account Management at CAHP Credit Union, to discuss how these sophisticated schemes are specifically targeting our law enforcement community. From credit union impersonation scams to cryptocurrency crimes and "pig butchering" schemes, fraudsters have defrauded Californians of millions of dollars—and they're not done yet. CAHP Credit Union—an organization exclusively serving California peace officers and their families—has been on the front lines of this battle, implementing comprehensive protective measures and providing crucial resources to help members recognize warning signs and respond quickly when targeted. Knowledge is our best defense against these financial predators. Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pHDJs1qx6dlCUlGsueMJhdRANLiDUCcgEmFxUvufvOg/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources https://dfpi.ca.gov/consumers/crypto/crypto-scam-tracker/ https://cahpcu.org/Financial-Education #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

In this episode, we shine a light on POREF – the Peace Officers Relief and Education Foundation – which has been serving our law enforcement family for decades. President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Oakland POA Board Member Ryan Goodfellow and PORAC Executive Committee Member Mike Pruger to discuss recent POREF events and how the organization has impacted their own PORAC chapters. This foundation isn't just another nonprofit; it's our way of taking care of our own through memorial services, financial relief when officers and families hit hard times, and scholarships that invest in our children's futures. If any members are interested in volunteering with POREF or learning more about how to get involved with the foundation's work, please contact your PORAC regional representatives on the Scholarship Committee or the PORAC office directly. This National Police Week, let's remember that honoring the badge means standing by every family that sacrifices for it. Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zCIiT3tnzv_HE8XNbGsYGXbHkcn0DwbB3_eN3WqVdSQ/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources ● POREF Open: https://porac.org/events/poref-open/ ● POREF Website: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/ ● Scholarship Application: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/scholarship-application/ ● National Police Week Information: www.policeweek.org ● California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony: www.camemorial.org ●POREF Donation Page: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/donate/ #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #policeweek #peaceofficersmemorial

Mental health challenges have been long overlooked in law enforcement. Despite increased awareness and resources, we continue to see alarming suicide rates among officers nationwide. Recent research suggests there may be a critical missing link – the connection between repetitive head trauma and mental health conditions. In our latest "On the Job with PORAC" podcast episode, we explore this vital topic with Stephanie Samuels, Founder of CopLine and a psychotherapist specializing in law enforcement mental health. For anyone in need of immediate support, the CopLine Hotline (1-800-267-5463) is available 24/7 and is the only hotline addressing the connection between head trauma and officer mental health. Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgDyfgg7bxAHuLreV98CVx-AaE3CfpSEWqVQyFa9n5U/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More CopLine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copline__/ X: https://x.com/COPLINE__ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copline-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copline/ Website: https://www.copline.org/ Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources Concussion Legacy Foundation First Responder Resource: https://concussionfoundation.org/helpline/emergency_responders/ CopLine Hotline: 1-800-267-5463 Article: "Repetitive head impacts and trauma: The missing piece in suicide prevention" by Stephanie Samuels (October 2024): https://apbweb.com/2024/10/repetitive-head-impacts-and-trauma/ California Youth Football Act (AB-1): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1 CNA Report: "Law Enforcement Deaths by Suicide" (March 2024): https://www.cna.org/reports/2024/03/Law-Enforcement-Deaths-By-Suicide.pdf 60 Minutes - A dad's mission to uncover brain injuries after Navy SEAL son's suicide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC54W36HNE&rco=1 PORAC’s research brief on officer health & wellness: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/PORAC-Research-Brief_Officer-Health-Wellness.pdf #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #OfficerWellness #MentalHealth #HeadTrauma #SuicidePrevention

Women in law enforcement bring measurable, evidence based advantages to modern policing the data shows female officers experience fewer use of force incidents and more successful de-escalation outcomes. In this episode of the "On the Job" podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault lean into the "R" in PORAC—Research. We discuss how women officers strengthen public safety and the barriers they face in the profession with Dr. Tanya Meisenholder of the 30x30 Initiative and PORAC Board Member Veronica Limon. Our guests provide insight into how traditional requirements for peace officers can be thoughtfully adjusted while maintaining rigorous standards and opening up the recruiting pool to qualified women who have been historically under represented. For law enforcement leaders, policymakers, and public safety advocates, these insights offer a roadmap to increasing female representation in ways that strengthen departments and better serve communities. The research-backed strategies discussed demonstrate that recruiting more women officers isn't just about addressing historical challenges—it's about enhancing public safety through proven approaches to improve modern policing. Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QAzhaax3u4r8MFgT0TxzFXEe-Inq7FMeTix3LR_f0-o/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More Dr. Tanya Meisenholder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-meisenholder/ Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources ● 30x30 Initiative Website: https://30x30initiative.org/ ● 30x30 Initiative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/30x30-initiative/ ● PORAC Women in Law Enforcement Issue Brief: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-PORAC-Women-In-Law-Enforcement-Brief.pdf #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety

Could SB 2 affect your career? What really happens during a decertification investigation? Does a complaint automatically mean your job is at risk? These are questions causing significant anxiety among California peace officers since POST gained decertification powers in 2022. In this must listen episode, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with the POST officials who oversee the decertification process - Bureau Chief Rob Guyton and Law Enforcement Consultants David Peletta, Robby Bringolf, and Kevin Sherburne – to get straight answers about how these investigations really work and what rights you maintain throughout the process. TRANSCRIPT - https://docs.google.com/document/d/11-GLcwAwdhTUidNEtFlhOe94f0l6MnZHhBV90gze_9U/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More POST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commissiononpost/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-post/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaPOST Website: https://post.ca.gov/ Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources ● Senate Bill No. 2 FAQs: http://post.ca.gov/SB-2-FAQs ● Workshop Registration: https://porac.org/program/sb-2-course/ #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety

In this episode, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault celebrate PORAC's historic victory in securing passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) while providing members with information about what the law means for their retirement benefits.    Through conversation with Darryl Nirenberg, PORAC’s lead federal lobbyist at Steptoe, who was instrumental in building congressional support for the legislation, the episode will walk members through how PORAC contributed to this major win after 40 years of tireless advocacy. The episode will also outline what active and retired officers need to know about implementation timelines, eligibility, and the restoration of Social Security benefits.    Connect and Learn More Darryl Nirenberg, federal lobbyist at Steptoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-nirenberg-b3a9333/  Website: https://www.steptoe.com/en/lawyers/darryl-nirenberg.html    Brian Marvel  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/   Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/    Resources Will the New Social Security Fairness Act Change Your Benefits In 2025? | Kiplinger Social Security Fairness Act Signed into Law - California Statewide Law Enforcement Association San Francisco Chronicle - Why California is likely to be one of biggest beneficiaries of new Social Security law Police 1 - Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, boosting retirement benefits for police, firefighters Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update  Social Security Administration Contact Information  #porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety 

In this episode, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., Director of the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and keynote speaker at this year’s conference. The discussion focused on law enforcement's pressing challenges nationwide - from recruitment and retention to officer health and wellness and unpacked how federal funding and training resources can help state and local agencies tackle these issues head-on. Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M3ALlNEFpZ-vFQ1OcjMkSS3OP2bGMS9cMtNw3D4oams/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More Hugh T. Clements, Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-t-clements-jr-71b311223/ Website: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ Brian Marvel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/ Resources -COPS Office Grants Website - https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants -COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Information - https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award -School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Guidelines - https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp-award -Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Resources - https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp-award -COPS Office Training Portal - https://copstrainingportal.org/ -Grant Application Guidelines and Deadlines - https://cops.usdoj.gov/award-management-materials #poracalifornia #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety

In this episode, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Legislative Advocate Randy Perry to discuss the end of the legislative session in Sacramento. 00:00 - Intro & Looking at the Past Two Years 03:35 - What Legislative Advocates Do 08:30 - Bills From Past Two Years of Legislative Session 19:15 - Shifts in Legislature Moving Forward Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziglI2CNgzp-HQ0ufm49FMc07HHYKrj7TNs7MZDdpg4/edit?usp=sharing Connect and Learn More: Randy Perry Website: https://www.aaronread.com/ Brian Marvel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/ Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/