Dear COBA Members;

The Union has made positive progress on several issues the last few days.

First and foremost, we have signed agreement with the County/Dept enhancing our rights regarding the implementation of cameras in the facility.

Under the current agreement dated Aug 2020, our members have the ability to view camera footage before submitting an "addendum" to their already submitted reports.

Our new Stipulation of Agreement dated April 10th, 2023 first, reiterates the following:

"The County acknowledges the purpose of cameras in the facility, and other areas under its jurisdiction is for security purposes.

The live surveillance of a camera is not to be used as a basis to initiate discipline against COBA Members unless the underlying conduct would constitute a violation of State or Federal law, serious misconduct or a breach of security, nor will it be used as a basis to initiate discipline for minor or technical infractions."

This new agreement greatly expands COBA Member's rights in pertinent part, by stating:

"No cameras shall be installed in areas where there is an expectation of privacy, such as locker rooms, bathrooms, breakrooms etc.

And, COBA Members will be given the opportunity to review recordings regarding incidents they were involved in; if they are conducting an investigation; preparing for testimony of any sort; or, most importantly, prior to being obligated to write a report or make a statement regarding that incident.

This is a major protection for our members and should prevent any possibility of written reports differing from what is recorded since we all know that eyewitness testimony is subjective and can differ depending on people's perspective.

This is a very important tool in this new age of "Criminal Justice Reform", since the repeal of 50a with defense attorneys now being able to subpoena records as well as agencies such as the State Attorney General's Office under new State Law, being involved in Police/Corrections investigations throughout the State.

I want to thank COBA VP Brian Doyle for his dedication, research and hard nosed negotiating in helping to secure this benefit for COBA Members.

I will follow up this email with another regarding other agreements we have come to regarding outstanding issues.

In Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President