President's Corner

It is an honor to serve as the 2025-2026 president of CPOA. Along with the board of directors and all of our members, I look forward to what the next year brings. Innovation within technology continues to help with our abilities to prevent and solve crime. However, all of that is occurring as we face an ongoing reduction in our workforces.

Agencies are facing historic lows in staffing for professional and sworn staff. Agency members are being asked to do more and more to keep the public safe and informed. Agencies are leveraging technology, sharing resources and trying to keep up with the constant legislative demands. All of this while trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

These are unusual times for law enforcement. I am grateful that department leaders recognize the need for employee wellness and have made great strides in my 36 years to change our culture toward seeking help when needed. In addition to seeking that same help for the families of our colleagues. Over this next year, CPOA will be supporting and sponsoring Wellness Conferences to help spread the word.

We continue to grow our membership and know the value there is in many voices. With almost 25,000 members and counting, our voices carry weight and people listen. Our message is always respectful and comes from a place of reasonableness. We are always open to dialogue and only want what is best for Californians.

We continue to be active in Sacramento supporting legislation that holds individuals accountable and opposing legislation that impedes law enforcement. Our training presentations serve a wide audience and continue to receive high praise. New this year will be additional training courses targeting our support service staff partners. We have added a professional staff member to the board of directors and are actively building a training curriculum designed to broaden knowledge for our agency coworkers.

Stay safe and I wish you all the best this year.

Chris Monahan, Ed.D.
Captain, Piedmont Police Department