On Thursday (Sept. 4) HPOU representatives attended an HPD Command Staff meeting to listen to a discussion led by Chief Bradford related to the FY 2004 HPD budget.

Following the meeting, HPOU President Hans Marticiuc was contacted by several reporters concerning the trial balloon floated by Chief Bradford of a voluntary furlough plan for HPD officers.

The Houston Police Officers’ Union opposes the “voluntary furlough strategy” because it is not a workable solution.

Our opposition is based on the fact that police services cannot be cut -- even during the most difficult budget times. Any cost-cutting strategy that removes HPD officers from responding to emergencies and protecting the public should not be implemented.

HPD officers in partnership with Mayor Brown and all but one member of the Houston City Council adopted a revised bargaining agreement that cut more than $13 million from the current fiscal year budget. This cut was accomplished by HPD officers deferring the implementation date on their contractually guaranteed pay raise from January 2004 to April 2004.

That financial sacrifice by HPD officers did not reduce public safety in Houston. A "voluntary furlough" would reduce police coverage throughout our city and, we believe, violate our solemn oath to protect the public.

We urge Chief Bradford to report back to Houston City Council that any further cuts to balance the budget will compromise the ability of HPD officers to carry out basic public safety responsibilities.

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