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On the Job with PORAC- Hosted by President of PORAC Brian Marvel. This podcast addresses a wide variety of topics ranging from legislation to public safety while providing up-to-date information on officer benefits, training and advocacy. It is a place for our members, other law enforcement professionals, as well as the public, to hear directly from the source concerning law enforcement and the issues that matter.
Episodes
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
In this episode, we shine a light on POREF – the Peace Officers Relief and Education Foundation – which has been serving our law enforcement family for decades. President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Oakland POA Board Member Ryan Goodfellow and PORAC Executive Committee Member Mike Pruger to discuss recent POREF events and how the organization has impacted their own PORAC chapters. This foundation isn't just another nonprofit; it's our way of taking care of our own through memorial services, financial relief when officers and families hit hard times, and scholarships that invest in our children's futures.
If any members are interested in volunteering with POREF or learning more about how to get involved with the foundation's work, please contact your PORAC regional representatives on the Scholarship Committee or the PORAC office directly.
This National Police Week, let's remember that honoring the badge means standing by every family that sacrifices for it.
Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zCIiT3tnzv_HE8XNbGsYGXbHkcn0DwbB3_eN3WqVdSQ/edit?usp=sharing
Connect and Learn More
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
● POREF Open: https://porac.org/events/poref-open/
● POREF Website: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/
● Scholarship Application: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/scholarship-application/
● National Police Week Information: www.policeweek.org
● California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony: www.camemorial.org
●POREF Donation Page: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/donate/
#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #policeweek #peaceofficersmemorial
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Mental health challenges have been long overlooked in law enforcement. Despite increased awareness and resources, we continue to see alarming suicide rates among officers nationwide. Recent research suggests there may be a critical missing link – the connection between repetitive head trauma and mental health conditions.
In our latest "On the Job with PORAC" podcast episode, we explore this vital topic with Stephanie Samuels, Founder of CopLine and a psychotherapist specializing in law enforcement mental health.
For anyone in need of immediate support, the CopLine Hotline (1-800-267-5463) is available 24/7 and is the only hotline addressing the connection between head trauma and officer mental health.
Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgDyfgg7bxAHuLreV98CVx-AaE3CfpSEWqVQyFa9n5U/edit?usp=sharing
Connect and Learn More
CopLine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copline__/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copline-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copline/
Website: https://www.copline.org/
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
Concussion Legacy Foundation First Responder Resource: https://concussionfoundation.org/helpline/emergency_responders/
CopLine Hotline: 1-800-267-5463
Article: "Repetitive head impacts and trauma: The missing piece in suicide prevention" by Stephanie Samuels (October 2024): https://apbweb.com/2024/10/repetitive-head-impacts-and-trauma/
California Youth Football Act (AB-1): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1
CNA Report: "Law Enforcement Deaths by Suicide" (March 2024): https://www.cna.org/reports/2024/03/Law-Enforcement-Deaths-By-Suicide.pdf
60 Minutes - A dad's mission to uncover brain injuries after Navy SEAL son's suicide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC54W36HNE&rco=1
PORAC’s research brief on officer health & wellness: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/PORAC-Research-Brief_Officer-Health-Wellness.pdf
#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #OfficerWellness #MentalHealth #HeadTrauma #SuicidePrevention
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
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
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
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
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
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
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
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
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
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/
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
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:
#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
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
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
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
-California Democratic legislators announce agreement on Prop 47 reform initiative
-Newsom, Democratic lawmakers announce rival crime reform ballot measure
-A look at California's legislative public safety package and Prop 47 reform initiative
-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
#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawnenforcement #publicsafety