(em FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, INC. The Voice of Florida’s Law Enforcement Officers August 5, 2019 President Lee Tyree Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida PBA 6231 NW Street Suites 182 Pensacola, FL 32505 Dear President Tyree, ‘After consideration of recent events at the Escambia County Sheriff Office, | am implementing a change to the chapter's disciplinary representation arrangement. This new procedure will begin immediately. The change is the direct result of improper conduct by upper management within the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, specifically investigators within internal affairs and Chief Deputy Eric Haines. We have received multiple complaints of intimidation and biatant violations of the law enforcement officers bill of rights by the previously mentioned parties that cause me concern. Equally concerning is that you, as an employee and subordinate of Chief Haines, can be professionally retaliated against for properly representing your membership. The risk of workplace retaliation is too severe to allow the current practice of employee representatives to continue. ‘Therefore, any disciplinary representation of members from the Escambia County Sherif’s Office will be handled by an attorney assigned by General Counsel Stephanie Webster from our Tallahassee office. ‘Any exceptions to the representation procedure must be approved by Mrs. Webster prior to any disciplinary event and shall be monitored by Mrs. Webster throughout the duration of all disciplinary proceedings. This new procedure is not.a reflection of the hard work you and your team provide to the members of Escambia County Sheriffs Office. It is a direct reflection of the hostile environment being fostered by Chief Deputy Eric Haines. We cannot allow our membership and the representatives of the association to be intimidated by these bullying tactics. Until further notice, all disciplinary cases no matter how minor, will be handled by an attorney assigned by the General Counsel of the Florida PBA. Sincerely, Ze CS “Matt Puckett Executive Director ue 300 E, Brevard St,, Tallahassee, FL 32301-1218 * www{lpba.org « 850.222.3329 « Toll Free: 1.800.733.3722 © Fax: