On the Job with PORAC

S8 E3 | Breaking Barriers: Women Strengthening Modern Policing

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

S8 E2 | A POST Guide to the Officer Decertification Process

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

S8 E1 | Restoring Dignity & Fairness in Retirement for Public Servants

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 

S7 E8 | Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement

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

S7 E7 | Legislative Update

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/

S7 E6 | Measure N: Stockton POA Seeks Binding Arbitration

In this episode, hosts President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault speak with Stockton POA Vice President Chris Sherman and David E. Mastagni with Mastagni Holstedt APC about Measure N, which would give binding arbitration in their City Charter and could have statewide implications if passed. They explain the measure, what it intends to do, and why it is beneficial.

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-L_2vMULcPoxU7Dx8zur5pYtYocoIsGUG5F8w0jehKw/edit?tab=t.0

Connect and Learn More:

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:

https://keepstocktonsafe.org/

https://www.mastagni.com/

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety

S7 E5 | Meet Ben Therriault, PORAC’s New Vice President

In this episode, we introduce our newly elected Vice President, Ben Therriault. Ben joins the podcast to discuss his background, his journey in law enforcement, and his vision for the future of PORAC. We'll explore his leadership experiences, key priorities for his tenure, and his commitment to advocating for peace officers across California. The goal of this episode is to allow listeners, PORAC members and others, to get to know Ben and to provide valuable insights into Ben’s vision for the direction of our organization.

Episode Transcript:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rh9bXSwZh4xDSxCAs6qMYevB0QfrxVuPIw-k-CEdOHg/edit

Connect and Learn More

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:

Ben Therriault – PORAC Profile

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawnenforcement #publicsafety

S7 E4 | Prop 47 Reform: Addressing California's Retail Theft Crisis

Season 7, Episode 4 – Prop 47 Reform: Addressing California's Retail Theft Crisis

In this month’s episode, President Brian Marvel and our new Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Legislative Advocate Randy Perry and Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper to discuss the ongoing efforts to reform Prop 47 and address the alarming rise in organized retail theft in California. The discussion covers all the politicking around the multiple different legislative vehicles and the ballot measure aimed at reforming Prop 47, including the controversy surrounding proposed "poison pill" amendments. Guests discuss the need for a comprehensive approach combining legislative action with voter-approved reforms to combat theft-related crimes and enhance public safety.

Learn more, support, and donate: https://voteyesprop36.com/

Connect and Learn More

Randy Perry

Website: https://www.aaronread.com/

Sheriff Cooper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheriffJimCooper

Twitter: https://x.com/SheriffJCooper

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffjimcooper/

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:

-California Legislature passes bills to curb retail theft over objections from some Democrats https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-12/california-legislature-passes-bills-to-curb-retail-theft-over-objections-from-some-democrats

-Gavin Newsom backs down on crime measure

https://calmatters.org/politics/elections/2024/07/gavin-newsom-crime-measure/

-California’s Decriminalization Timeline: 1985 – 2021 (PORAC)

https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/Californias-Decriminalization-Timeline.pdf

-Office of the Attorney General: The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act

https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/23-0017A1%20%28Drug%20Addiction%20%26amp%3B%20Theft%20Reform%29.pdf

-California Democratic legislators announce agreement on Prop 47 reform initiative

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/california-democratic-legislators-announce-agreement-on-prop-47-reform-initiative/ar-BB1pbv8g?ocid=BingNewsVerp

-Newsom, Democratic lawmakers announce rival crime reform ballot measure

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-07-01/newsom-and-lawmakers-announce-rival-ballot-measure-to-stop-draconian-crime-reform

-A look at California's legislative public safety package and Prop 47 reform initiative

https://www.kcra.com/article/california-legislative-public-safety-package-prop-47-reform-initiative/61063743

-California voters to decide future of Proposition 47 – NBC Los Angeles https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/politics/newsconference/newsconference-reforming-proposition-47/3442546/

-Newsom, Dem leaders try to negotiate Prop 47 reform off California ballots, as GOP wants to let voters decide

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-dem-leaders-try-negotiate-prop-47-reform-off-california-ballots-gop-wants-let-voters-decide

 

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawnenforcement #publicsafety

S7 E3 | Campus Protests: The Police Perspective

In this month’s episode, Brian Marvel and Damon Kurtz sit down with Wade Stern of the Federated University Police Officers’ Association (FUPOA) and Matt Kroner of the Statewide University Police Association (SUPA) to discuss the challenges faced by university police departments in responding to on-campus protests that turn violent, such as restrictive university policies, anti-police bias among faculty, and staffing shortages.

Discussion Topics

● The Role of Campus Police

● Challenges Faced by University Police in Responding to Violent Protests

● Balancing First Amendment Rights with Public Safety

● Proposed Solutions for Ensuring Peaceful Protests and Campus Safety: A Collaborative Approach

00:00 - History of Campus Protests

04:50 - Relationship Between Campus Admin and Law Enforcement

08:15 - Campus Protests and Professional Agitators

16:00 - Campus Security Guards vs Police Officers

22:10 - What Can Be Done to Keep Campuses Safe?

Download the full transcript of the episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kkFEXw_ml7yMLTlFR49c8hoN1HyGX5kt/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110396220408817199408&rtpof=true&sd=true

Guest Bio – Wade Stern

Wade Stern is President of the Federated University Police Officers’ Association, which represents over 250 police officers over the 10 campuses of the University of California Police Department. Wade is a police corporal with the University of California Police Department, where he has served for the last 22 years.

Guest Bio – Matt Kroner

Matt Kroner is president of the Statewide University Police Association (SUPA), which represents California State University police officers, corporals, and sergeants from all twenty-three CSU Police Departments from San Diego to Humboldt. Matt has been president since 2021 and is passionate about serving SUPA’s members. Matt is a sergeant with the Sacramento State Police Department and has over twenty-three years of experience as a sworn police officer with the CSU PD.

Connect and learn more about SUPA, FUPOA, Brian, and Damon

SUPA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUPA.CSU/

Twitter: @CSUSUPA

FUPOA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FederatedUniversityPOA/

Instagram: @federateduniversity.poa

Brian Marvel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Damon Kurtz

Instagram: @damonkurtz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damon.kurtz.1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-kurtz-681921172/

Resources:

● Debating Police Tactics in Response to Campus Protests

     ● https://www.npr.org/2024/05/08/1248935672/campus-protests-police-arrests

● Pro-Palestinian Protests Spreading Across California Campuses

     ● https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-01/pro-palestinian-protests-tensions-spread-across-california-college-campuses

● At U.C. Berkeley Ceremony, a Student Protest Draws in Hundreds

     ● https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/us/uc-berkeley-protest-graduation.html

● Police Tactics at Campus Protests Reveal Disparities in Approached to Public Order and Lessons Learned Post-George Floyd

     ● https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/police-tactics-at-campus-protests-reveal-disparities-in-approaches-to-public-order-and-lessons-learned-post-george-floyd/ar-BB1lQCe2?ocid=BingNewsSearch

● Police Carry Out Complex Choreography in Campus Protests Response

     ● https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/police-carry-out-complex-choreography-in-campus-protests-response/ar-AA1o6Wfk?ocid=BingNewsSearch

● University of California Police Union Blasts UCLA Admin for ‘Lack of Response’ to Violence at Campus Protests

     ● https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-california-police-union-blasts-ucla-admin-lack-response-violence-campus-protests

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #protests #campusprotests

S7 E2 | Honoring Our Fallen Officers

In this episode, guests Mark Nichols and Juan Viramontes of the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation (CPOMF) discuss the Ceremony on the State Capitol grounds honoring fallen law enforcement officers before National Police Week, May 12-18. They also highlight the work CPOMF does to support the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

________________________________________

Connect with Host Brian Marvel

● https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

● https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

● https://twitter.com/BrianMarvel

● https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Connect with Co-Host Damon Kurtz

● https://www.instagram.com/damonkurtz/

● https://www.facebook.com/damon.kurtz.1

● https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-kurtz-681921172/

Connect With CPOMF and AOCDS

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capeaceofficersmemorial/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAPeaceOfficersMemorial

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aocds/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AOCDS

● X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AOCDS1

Resources:

● CPOMF Scholarship Program

     ● https://camemorial.org/scholarship-program/

● POREF Scholarship

     ● https://porac.org/about/peace-officers-relief-and-education-foundation-poref-porac-scholarship/

● PORAC Fund-A-Hero

     ● https://porac.org/members/fund-a-hero/

● National Police Week

     ● https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/

#porac #peaceofficers #nationalpoliceweek #police