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Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

Thursday Nov 13, 2025

S8 E10 | Who Is a Peace Officer?: Parsing Penal Code 830 with POST’s Manny Alvarez

Thursday Nov 13, 2025

In this episode, PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Manny Alvarez, Executive Director of POST, to unpack California Penal Code 830 – the foundation that defines who qualifies as a peace officer in the state of California.

Together, they explore how PC 830 has evolved into a patchwork of statutes over the years, why it may be time to modernize and streamline its structure, and what thoughtful reform could mean for officer clarity, accountability, and consistency statewide. The conversation also touches on POST’s ongoing work to maintain high professional standards, ensure accountability, and support officers through training, certification, and public trust initiatives.

Whether you’re a seasoned officer, new recruit, or simply interested in understanding how peace officer authority is defined and applied across California, this episode provides clear, essential insights straight from POST’s leadership.

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Brian Marvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

Friday Oct 24, 2025

S8 E9 | Setting the Record Straight on SB 627

Friday Oct 24, 2025

In the latest episode of On the Job with PORAC, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault set the record straight on Senate Bill 627 — a deeply flawed new law that eliminates crucial legal protections for local peace officers. Brian and Ben break down the misinformation surrounding the bill, explain why it is both unconstitutional and dangerous to public safety, and discuss how PORAC led the statewide fight against it. They also share how PORAC is continuing that fight by working with the legislature on a cleanup bill next session to correct the issues created by this rushed and confusing new law. Connect and Learn More

Brian Marvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

Friday Aug 22, 2025

S8 E8 | What's Next for CalPERS: PORAC’s Endorsed Candidates

Friday Aug 22, 2025

In the latest episode of the On the Job With PORAC podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by PORAC-endorsed CalPERS Board candidates Jose Luis Pacheco and Dom Bei. The conversation highlights their vision for ensuring California’s pension system delivers on its core promise: securing stable retirements for the fund's 2.3 million members. They discuss fiduciary responsibility, the importance of prioritizing returns over ESJ or values-based investing, and the need for long-term strategies that adapt to global and budgetary challenges. Pacheco and Bei also emphasize strengthening accountability on the CalPERS Board, stabilizing leadership turnover, creating strong performance incentives for investment staff, and increasing member engagement to ensure every voice is heard.

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Brian Marvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

https://www.beiforcalpers.com/

LinkedIn: / btherriault

Resources

Dom Bei

Jose Luis Pacheco

https://www.pachecoforcalpers.com/

Monday Jul 28, 2025

S8 E7 | The Future of Law Enforcement: PORAC’s Updated Policy Platform

Monday Jul 28, 2025

In today’s ever-evolving political landscape, protecting the rights, benefits, and well-being of law enforcement professionals requires more than just strong representation—it demands strategic, proactive advocacy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the legislative priorities shaping the future of California’s law enforcement community.

PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by Randy Perry, PORAC’s longtime lobbyist and principal at Perry Strategies, to break down PORAC’s new policy platform. Together, they explore the most pressing issues facing peace officers today—from recruitment and retention challenges to mental health resources, workers’ compensation reform, and public safety funding.

With over two decades of experience navigating California’s complex legislative environment, Randy offers invaluable insight into how PORAC builds bipartisan support, protects member interests, and drives meaningful policy change in Sacramento.

Stay informed, stay engaged—because when it comes to shaping the future of law enforcement, your voice matters.

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Brian Marvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

S8 Ep6 – Protecting the Blue's Green: How CAHP Credit Union Shields Officers from Financial Fraud

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

In today's world, protecting those who protect and serve extends beyond physical safety—it also encompasses financial security. In this episode, we address a growing threat that's affecting law enforcement officers and their families: financial scams.

President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Jill Alves, Vice President of Account Management at CAHP Credit Union, to discuss how these sophisticated schemes are specifically targeting our law enforcement community. From credit union impersonation scams to cryptocurrency crimes and "pig butchering" schemes, fraudsters have defrauded Californians of millions of dollars—and they're not done yet. CAHP Credit Union—an organization exclusively serving California peace officers and their families—has been on the front lines of this battle, implementing comprehensive protective measures and providing crucial resources to help members recognize warning signs and respond quickly when targeted. Knowledge is our best defense against these financial predators.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pHDJs1qx6dlCUlGsueMJhdRANLiDUCcgEmFxUvufvOg/edit?usp=sharing

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Brian Marvel

Ben Therriault

https://dfpi.ca.gov/consumers/crypto/crypto-scam-tracker/

Resources

https://cahpcu.org/Financial-Education

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

Friday May 09, 2025

S8 E5 | POREF: Supporting Law Enforcement Families Through All Stages

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

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Brian Marvel

Ben Therriault

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

S8 E4 | Head Trauma in Law Enforcement: The Missing Piece in Officer Wellness

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

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CopLine

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

X: https://x.com/COPLINE__

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copline-inc-/

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

Website: https://www.copline.org/

Brian Marvel

Ben Therriault

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

S8 E3 | Breaking Barriers: Women Strengthening Modern Policing

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

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Dr. Tanya Meisenholder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-meisenholder/

Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Ben Therriault

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

S8 E2 | A POST Guide to the Officer Decertification Process

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

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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