We know that a union's greatest strength is strength in numbers. It is in this spirit that OCEA members in public safety classifications have come together to join the OCEA Peace Officer Protective League (POPL), by way of Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).

PORAC is the largest statewide law enforcement organization in the nation. The mission of PORAC is to:

• Maintain a leadership role in organizing, empowering and representing the interests of rank-and-file peace officers
• Identify the needs of the law enforcement community and provide programs to meet those needs
• Represent and protect the rights and benefits of peace officers
• Create an environment in which peace officers interact and work toward achieving common goals and objectives
• Conduct research, provide education and training, and define and enhance standards for professionalism
• Promote public awareness that encourages and maintains the image of a professional peace officer

With this membership comes protections for OCEA workers in certain public safety classifications. The primary protection comes in the form of the POPL / PORAC Legal Defense Fund, or LDF. The PORAC Legal Defense Fund is the nation's oldest, largest, and most respected public safety legal plan. Serving more than 142,000 members nationwide, PORAC-LDF remains committed to protecting the rights and benefits of its members since 1974.

The PORAC Legal Defense Fund is an ERISA Trust providing legal service benefits for public safety personnel. Whether you are the target of a civil or criminal action, or are involved in a critical incident, the PORAC Legal Defense Fund has your back. Just a few dollars per month gets you access to unsurpassed legal defense and, most importantly, the peace of mind to focus on your duties as a peace officer knowing you are protected by the LDF. Only the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys in the representation of public safety officers allowed to represent the members.

Who is Eligible and Who can Join?

• Sheriff's Special Officer (SSO)
• Sheriff's Correctional Services Assistant (CSA)
• Sheriff's Correctional Services Technician (CST)
• Sheriff's Community Services Officer (CSO)

• Police Department employees only

How do I sign up?

Links to paper and online versions of the enrollment form are located on this page in the sidebar to the right. County OCEA Members use the OCEA LDF Enrollment Form. AMEA Members use the AMEA / OCEA LDF Enrollment Form.

The work of law enforcement officers has become more complicated in today's polarized political environment. In these uncertain times, standing together with your co-workers is more important than ever. There is strength in numbers and one of those strengths is having access to affordable tools needed to protect your workplace rights when trouble comes.