Q & A

It is our mission to keep every member well-informed. That's why you'll find these FAQs about LASPA helpful. If you have a question not covered below, please submit it on our Contact Us page, and we will provide a response quickly. We're here for you.

What is the purpose of LASPA?

LASPA was founded in 1999 to provide employees of the County of Los Angeles Sheriffs' Department a union that represents its members' interests. LASPA provides services from legal representation to insurance coverage to all its members.

Who founded LASPA and why?

Visionary deputies founded LASPA to provide members of the LASD a choice in union representation. LASPA was born out of a conflict between the founders of LASPA and the leaders of their previous union, the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS). For one simple reason. They merely wanted public information. They wanted ALADS to publish its financial statements, its contracts with employees and attorneys, expense account records and allow all members of ALADS to be eligible to run for office. The basis of a democratic organization.

Why should Sheriffs join LASPA?

There are many benefits to joining LASPA. We offer professional legal representation from five leading law firms; 30-day payroll reimbursement for members on administrative leave; and a wide range of insurance and financial planning services.

How has LASPA grown in the past three years?

We have a different management team; a clearer mission; better benefits; and have shown more results, with less talk. Plain and simple, we are here for our members. We have sustained our membership to well over a thousand and we definitely welcome those sheriffs who are in search for better representation.

Why has there been so much controversy surrounding LASPA?

In the early days of the union, there was a great deal of passion and struggles surrounding the opposition to ALADS. Over time we have come to learn that it's in our best interest not to entertain the angry rhetoric of other unions and stick to what we do best; representing our membership ethically and responsibly. We are very pleased with the results, which is evident in the significant increase in our membership.

How are LASPA dues spent?

All dues paid to LASPA are used in the best interest of its members to improve and expand benefits. In fact, members are able to obtain a financial breakdown illustrating where each dollar of their dues goes on demand.

How is LASPA different from ALADS?

There a many ways in which LASPA is a superior alternative to ALADS.

Legal Representation: LASPA members can choose a highly qualified attorney from one of five different specialty law firms well-versed in issues affecting law enforcement. ALADS members are limited to a single firm. In our opinion, choice of the best and the brightest legal representation is key.

Payroll Reimbursement: LASPA members can depend on reimbursement for lost wages (up to 30 days) in the event of a suspension without pay. ALADS members have no such benefit.

Flexibility of Coverage: LASPA members determine how to pursue issues, how dues are spent and which benefits are provided. ALADS member benefits are determined by a self-appointed Board of Directors.

Financial Assistance: LASPA is a joint partner in the POPA Federal Credit Union. We charge no extra fees for membership in the credit union. We also provide access to no-cost home loans, regardless of credit history. Equally beneficial, LASPA provides free life insurance coverage from rated carriers. To our knowledge, ALADS members do not receive any financial assistance.

Disclosure of Financial Statements: LASPA members receive annual reports, as well as quarterly statements on exactly how dues are allocated. We believe in full disclosure. On demand. In fact, it is part of our mission statement. ALADS does not disclose any of its financial dealings and members are often left uninformed about union business.

Elections and Bylaws: LASPA elections and bylaws are regulated by its entire membership and, to ensure the utmost integrity, outside independent agencies provide additional regulatory oversight. ALADS elections and bylaws are controlled and/or unilaterally changed by the self-appointed Board of Directors. LASPA mandates term limits in order to maintain integrity on the board of directors. ALADS make careers out of serving on the board.

How does LASPA compete with other unions?

We are different from the other unions in many ways and we firmly believe that a union should be managed to serve the best interests of its membership. We may be new in name, but not new when it comes to experience and expertise of knowing what members want; better customer service, stellar group of attorneys with a 24/7 roll out team, and payroll reimbursement for less than others unions. We are not here to overtake any other union, but rather to provide the department with a democratic choice in representation.