When the California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO) first started representing Department of State Hospital (DSH) Supervisors, it was apparent that there were no state-wide polices to protect the supervisors’ working conditions or pay. With the help from several Sergeants and Lieutenants, CCSO has identified many changes that needed to be made.
“DSH Peace Officers work with many felons during their careers and like all peace officers have a right to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) when they retire “
The salary for the DSH Peace Officer Supervisor is the lowest peace officer pay in the state. DSH Peace Officer responsibilities are comparable to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) peace officers, yet DSH peace officers are getting paid about $2,000 less a month. CCSO has made attempts to correct salary shortfall but has yet to win an upgrade for DSH peace officers’ salaries. This is because CCSO is forced to utilize the court system and have no arbitration rights. The court system takes years to receive a resolution but if CCSO’s legislation for arbitration rights passes, it would just take months for an answer. CCSO does have an ongoing case that is being litigated.- DSH Peace Officers receive an $800 per month recruitment and retention pay. This $800 is not passed on to their retirement pay because the State has not deemed this pay PERSABLE. However, CCSO has checked with CALPERS and found that this $800 should be added to DSH peace Officer’s retirement. CCSO is presently litigating this issue.
- DSH Peace Officers work with many felons during their careers, and like all peace officers have a right to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) when they retire, unless they have had conduct issues that would disqualify them from this right. DSH management refuses to issue retired DSH peace officers their CCW permit on their retired ID cards. CCSO is presently litigating this issue.
The DSH agency management has recognized the lack of state-wide polices for their hospitals and for the past 2 years, has produced numerous new polices. However, they have not produced any new polices that would improve labor relation issues for peace officer supervisors. CCSO continues to work with DSH supervisors to identify needed polices that would improve the working conditions for DSH supervisors. DSH management resists all new labor relation policy suggestions but CCSO will continue to hammer at that wall until we make the needed changes for the DSH supervisors. Keep the faith brothers and sisters, CCSO has your back.
