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MEMBERS BENEFITS
Local Benefits
Since the "local beat" is the heart of the law enforcement profession, the FOP emphasizes community involvement, whether coaching Little League, or making direct donations.
On a professional level, local lodges represent either one particular law enforcement agency, or group of related agencies. Members elect their own officers, draft their own constitution and by-laws, and determine their own membership benefits. Typical activities include:
Labor Representation through the FOP Labor Council
To provide for their members' professional needs, local lodges conduct employment contract bargaining, manage grievances, represent members at disciplinary hearings, and conduct general negotiations between members and the local hiring authority. At all times, the local lodge is dedicated to improving its members' working conditions, wages and benefits.
Community Representation
Local lodges frequently sponsor youth organizations and organize charitable benefits such as concerts, dinners, and celebrity sporting events. Many lodges also reach out to the community through media relations, and by publishing their own pamphlets and booklets with public safety tips for local residents.
Family & Community Social Events
Picnics, dinner-dances, group excursions, and seasonal activities are typical fraternal events shared with family and friends.
State Benefits
Any member of a New Jersey local lodge belongs automatically to the State and National Lodges.
Each local affiliate elects a trustee to represent home interests at the State Lodge level. Unlike other law enforcement organizations, any member of the New Jersey FOP (not just trustees) may attend State Lodge membership meetings, which occur six times a year at varying locations. A nine-member executive board and local trustees govern the State Lodge, but all individual members have a voice at state meetings.
Working Committees
To improve the profession and serve the public, the State Lodge is organized into numerous committees, including:
The FOP also appoints representatives to the New Jersey Department of Personnel Police Advisory Board and the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
State Conferences & Seminar
To determine its goals and to elect its officers, the State Lodge holds a Biennial Conference for all local lodges and the State Executive Board. The week-long meeting is held in even-numbered years at varying locations in the tri-state area. (National Conferences are held in odd-numbered years in sites determined by the delegates.)
The State Lodge also holds an annual Mini-Conference on Law Enforcement Labor Negotiation. Speakers provide pointers on effective negotiation and arbitration, as well as officer rights in disciplinary matters. Local lodge representatives return to their departments with new tools for negotiating and for protecting law enforcement rights.
N.J. FOP Legal Defense
Long recognized as the premier plan for New Jersey law enforcement officers, the FOP Legal Defense Program has been available since 1989. It applies to all criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings that arise from law enforcement activities. Benefits include unlimited legal fees, court costs, and transcript fees.
The plan is modestly priced, with a discount for lodges whose members join at 100% participation.
Assistance through the FOP Labor Council
Though local lodges conduct their own contract negotiations and mange their own grievances, State Lodge Labor Committee members--selected for their knowledge and experience in labor relations--are available to assist local lodges at the bargaining table and in court hearings.
The State Lodge also maintains a collection of recently completed labor contracts, which can be used as a comparative resource by local lodge negotiators.
Legislative Advocacy
A professional legislative representative and members of the State Lodge Legislative Committee constantly monitor proposed state law that is pertinent to New Jersey enforcement officers. The FOP has introduced numerous new bills, and representatives frequently provide legislative testimony.
With its headquarters located across the street from the State House, the New Jersey FOP has become a strong presence among state lawmakers.
Charities
For many years, the New Jersey FOP has given generously to the Deborah Heart & Lung Center in Browns Mills, and to the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Through National Lodge affiliation, New Jersey members also raise funds for Easter Seals.
Survivor's Fund for Fallen NJ Officers
The George Bowman Survivor's Fund provides a generous one-time lump sum benefit given to the family of any slain New Jersey FOP member killed in the line of duty. The benefit is provided immediately after the fatality.
FOP Scholarship Program
The New Jersey FOP awards six annual scholarships based on scholastic merit, economic need, and the applicants' goal in life. The scholarships are awarded exclusively to children of FOP members.
Publications
To keep local members informed of State Lodge goals and accomplishments, the New Jersey FOP publishes a no-cost quarterly tabloid newspaper called the New Jersey FOP News. Between issues, a brief newsletter called New Jersey FOP News Plus is mailed to local lodge leaders.
Camden City, Lodge #1
1137 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08102
Main Number: 856-541-4044
Fax: 856-541-8002
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