FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, January 13, 2014 CONTACT: Matt Awbrey at (619) 929-0089 or matt@kevinfaulconer.

com

NEWS RELEASE

Police Officers Association Endorses Kevin Faulconer for Mayor

Law enforcement group cites Faulconers experience and plan for rebuilding SDPD, joins growing list of Nathan Fletcher supporters now backing Faulconer
SAN DIEGO The San Diego Police Officers Association today announced its endorsement of Kevin Faulconer for San Diego Mayor. The SDPOA represents one of the final competitive endorsements where both Faulconer and David Alvarez were considered. Faulconer has made public safety a central point of his campaign, releasing a plan last September to strengthen the San Diego Police Department by reducing officer attrition, investing in critical equipment and increasing recruitment efforts and staffing. The law enforcement group had endorsed Democratic mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher in the primary election. Mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer said, There should be no higher goal for local government than keeping our neighborhoods safe, and if we continue with fiscal reforms at City Hall we can direct the savings toward ensuring every San Diegan lives in a safe and vibrant community. I am honored to have the endorsement of these brave men and women because we share the goal of protecting our neighborhoods by reducing officer attrition and investing in critical public safety needs. Brian Marvel, President of the San Diego Police Officers Association, said, Kevin Faulconers experience and proven leadership make him the best candidate for Mayor. He has demonstrated a

deep understanding of the dire need to rebuild the San Diego Police Department and retain experienced police officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. There are fewer officers working for the department than there were a decade ago, and roughly 900 officers almost half of the department will be eligible to retire within the next four years. The Police Department struggles to recruit and retain officers, many of whom leave for better offers with nearby agencies. As mayor, Faulconer plans to take immediate action to rebuild the department and protect all San Diego neighborhoods by focusing on three critical areas: 1. 2. 3. Adding more officers by streamlining recruitment and hiring practices Closing the compensation gap to reflect the competitive law enforcement job market Investing in staffing and equipment

Read more about Faulconers three-point plan here. The San Diego Police Officers Association was founded in 1912 and represents the dedicated and professional sworn members of the San Diego Police Department. The SDPOA is dedicated to helping officers and their families during times of distress, sickness, and in death, including providing critical aid to the widows and orphans of fallen officers. ###