California State Sheriffs’ Association Political Action Committee Policy

CSSA’s Political Action Committee reviews and evaluates governor’s appointments, candidates and ballot measures/initiatives for recommendation to the CSSA Board of Directors for a position of CSSA support, oppose or no position.

As a rule, CSSA will not endorse candidates in a primary election.  Candidates requesting CSSA endorsement in a primary election will be so notified.  An exception to this rule may be made if a specific request is made by a sheriff to consider a candidate.  The request must be in writing with specific reason for consideration of the candidate.  The request would then have to be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors and all candidates in that race would have to be considered.

As the California State Sheriffs’ Association works on issues of statewide concern and interest, it is the policy of CSSA to not involve itself in endorsements of local elected officials.  In addition, CSSA does not involve itself in endorsements of sheriffs.

Objectives

1.  Support candidates, governor‘s appointments, and ballot measures/initiatives which further the principles of the California State Sheriffs' Association, public safety and the law enforcement profession.

2. Provide the California State Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors a medium for examining candidates and the ballot measures/initiatives.

3. Provide a public appraisal of candidates, ballot measures/initiatives, and issues supported, opposed or no position by the California State Sheriffs' Association.

Function

1.  Review ballot measures/initiatives to determine their impact upon CSSA, public safety, and the law enforcement profession in particular.

2.  Candidates requesting CSSA endorsement will be required to submit a formal request and complete a questionnaire.  As deemed necessary, candidates may be interviewed to determine qualifications and philosophical position on contemporary issues vital and necessary for public safety and the law enforcement profession.

3.  A California State Sheriffs' Association official endorsement may be given to a candidate or issue in the name of the organization.

a. An official endorsement is not binding upon any individual member of CSSA.  An absolute distinction between individual and organizational endorsement shall be made whenever a public conflict of position may exist.

4.  Use of CSSA Logo:  Candidates/Initiatives/Other.  The use of the CSSA logo in campaign materials for candidates, initiatives or other political communications is not authorized unless extenuating circumstances are determined by a vote or poll of the Board of Directors and subsequent authorization by the Board of Directors.