Fraternal Order of Police

Lodge #36
P.O. Box 299
South Bend, Indiana
46624-0299
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dan Demler
President

Harvey Mills
Vice President

Chadwick Goben
Treasurer

Russell Lupica
Secretary

James Burns
Chaplain

James Cauffman
Conductor

Cori Bair
Guard

Kyle Bilinski 1st

Jeremy Siade 2nd
Jeff Ransberger 3rd
Trustees

*** 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