In this episode of On the Job with PORAC, PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Terrio sit down with attorney and police policy expert Bob Scales to discuss one of the most controversial issues facing modern law enforcement: federal consent decrees.

Drawing from PORAC’s report Evaluating Police Consent Decrees: From Compliance to Results, the conversation explores how these federal oversight agreements impact officer morale, recruitment, public safety, city budgets, and local control of policing. Bob Scales shares firsthand experience working inside Seattle’s federal consent decree and breaks down how many of these agreements evolve into years-long compliance systems that cost taxpayers millions while raising serious questions about effectiveness and accountability.

The episode also examines the growing financial burden placed on cities, the role of federal judges and monitors, the lack of transparency surrounding DOJ investigations, and the need for legislative reform and guardrails moving forward.

As more agencies across the country face increasing federal scrutiny, this episode serves as an important discussion about balancing accountability, constitutional policing, public safety, and local governance.

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Police Strategies: http://policestrategies.com/

Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

In this episode of On the Job with PORAC, PORAC President Brian Marvel sits down with RAM Chairman Chris Coulter to discuss the importance of staying connected after retirement and the continued value of PORAC’s Retired Associate Membership (RAM) program. The conversation highlights how RAM helps retired peace officers remain informed, engaged, and protected long after active service ends. Brian and Chris discuss continued legislative advocacy, access to PORAC benefits and resources, the importance of retiree representation in public safety policy, and how RAM helps officers maintain strong ties to the profession and one another.

They also break down key retiree benefits including access to PORAC’s Legal Defense Fund Plan V, nationwide support and protection, legislative victories like the Social Security Fairness Act, and why retirees continue to play a critical role in advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels.

As RAM continues to expand nationally, this episode serves as an important reminder that retirement does not mean losing your voice, your protection, or your connection to the profession.

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PORAC Retired Associate Membership (RAM)

https://porac.org/about/committees/retired-associate-membership/

Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

In this episode of On the Job with PORAC, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with PORAC Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Chair Alan Kuboyama and National Executive Director Fred Rowbotham to break down one of the most important protections peace officers have today; PORAC’s Legal Defense Fund.

From its roots in officers “passing the hat” to defend their own, LDF was built by officers, for officers, and why it continues to serve as the premier legal defense program nationwide. Supporting members through critical incidents to its current scale of over 161,000 members across all 50 states, with more than $80 million in reserves. LDF has evolved into a cornerstone benefit designed to protect careers, finances, and families.

Brian, Ben, Alan, and Fred discuss the realities officers face today — including increased scrutiny, parallel investigations, and the rising complexity of critical incidents. They also highlight the importance of experienced legal representation, access to top-tier experts, and the financial backing necessary to defend members in high-stakes situations.

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PORAC Legal Defense Fund

https://poracldf.org/

Brian Marvel Twitter:

https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault