For California peace officers, retirement planning extends far beyond pensions. Access to affordable, stable health care after retirement remains one of the most significant concerns facing law enforcement professionals and their families.

The PORAC Retiree Medical Trust (RMT) was created to address that challenge, providing long-term retiree health care solutions designed specifically for public safety professionals. As medical costs rise and traditional retiree benefits continue to shift, RMT plays a critical role in ensuring officers can retire with confidence and security.

This episode focuses on a deep dive into how RMT works, why early planning matters, and how PORAC members can better prepare for a healthy and financially stable retirement.

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https://poracrmt.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

The 2025 legislative year was one of the most dynamic in recent memory — marked by shifting political winds, high-profile public safety debates, and major legislative fights with direct consequences for California’s peace officers. PORAC successfully advanced key bills strengthening training, education, wellness, due process, and workers’ rights, while pushing back against proposals that undermine officer safety or impose unrealistic operational burdens.

At the same time, major challenges — particularly SB 627, the “No Secret Police Act” — highlighted how quickly the narrative around law enforcement can shift, and how essential PORAC’s advocacy is at the Capitol.

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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, PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Manny Alvarez, Executive Director of POST, to unpack California Penal Code 830 – the foundation that defines who qualifies as a peace officer in the state of California.

Together, they explore how PC 830 has evolved into a patchwork of statutes over the years, why it may be time to modernize and streamline its structure, and what thoughtful reform could mean for officer clarity, accountability, and consistency statewide. The conversation also touches on POST’s ongoing work to maintain high professional standards, ensure accountability, and support officers through training, certification, and public trust initiatives.

Whether you’re a seasoned officer, new recruit, or simply interested in understanding how peace officer authority is defined and applied across California, this episode provides clear, essential insights straight from POST’s leadership.

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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 the latest episode of On the Job with PORAC, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault set the record straight on Senate Bill 627 — a deeply flawed new law that eliminates crucial legal protections for local peace officers. Brian and Ben break down the misinformation surrounding the bill, explain why it is both unconstitutional and dangerous to public safety, and discuss how PORAC led the statewide fight against it. They also share how PORAC is continuing that fight by working with the legislature on a cleanup bill next session to correct the issues created by this rushed and confusing new law. Connect and Learn More

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 the latest episode of the On the Job With PORAC podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by PORAC-endorsed CalPERS Board candidates Jose Luis Pacheco and Dom Bei. The conversation highlights their vision for ensuring California’s pension system delivers on its core promise: securing stable retirements for the fund's 2.3 million members. They discuss fiduciary responsibility, the importance of prioritizing returns over ESJ or values-based investing, and the need for long-term strategies that adapt to global and budgetary challenges. Pacheco and Bei also emphasize strengthening accountability on the CalPERS Board, stabilizing leadership turnover, creating strong performance incentives for investment staff, and increasing member engagement to ensure every voice is heard.

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Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

Resources

Dom Bei

https://www.beiforcalpers.com/

Jose Luis Pacheco

https://www.pachecoforcalpers.com/

In today’s ever-evolving political landscape, protecting the rights, benefits, and well-being of law enforcement professionals requires more than just strong representation—it demands strategic, proactive advocacy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the legislative priorities shaping the future of California’s law enforcement community.

PORAC President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault are joined by Randy Perry, PORAC’s longtime lobbyist and principal at Perry Strategies, to break down PORAC’s new policy platform. Together, they explore the most pressing issues facing peace officers today—from recruitment and retention challenges to mental health resources, workers’ compensation reform, and public safety funding.

With over two decades of experience navigating California’s complex legislative environment, Randy offers invaluable insight into how PORAC builds bipartisan support, protects member interests, and drives meaningful policy change in Sacramento.

Stay informed, stay engaged—because when it comes to shaping the future of law enforcement, your voice matters.

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Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: / brianmarvel

Facebook: / brian.r.marvel

LinkedIn: / brianmarvel

Ben Therriault Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: / btherriault

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

In today's world, protecting those who protect and serve extends beyond physical safety—it also encompasses financial security. In this episode, we address a growing threat that's affecting law enforcement officers and their families: financial scams.

President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Jill Alves, Vice President of Account Management at CAHP Credit Union, to discuss how these sophisticated schemes are specifically targeting our law enforcement community. From credit union impersonation scams to cryptocurrency crimes and "pig butchering" schemes, fraudsters have defrauded Californians of millions of dollars—and they're not done yet. CAHP Credit Union—an organization exclusively serving California peace officers and their families—has been on the front lines of this battle, implementing comprehensive protective measures and providing crucial resources to help members recognize warning signs and respond quickly when targeted. Knowledge is our best defense against these financial predators.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pHDJs1qx6dlCUlGsueMJhdRANLiDUCcgEmFxUvufvOg/edit?usp=sharing

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Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

https://dfpi.ca.gov/consumers/crypto/crypto-scam-tracker/

https://cahpcu.org/Financial-Education

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #financialsafety #fraudprevention

In this episode, we shine a light on POREF – the Peace Officers Relief and Education Foundation – which has been serving our law enforcement family for decades. President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault sit down with Oakland POA Board Member Ryan Goodfellow and PORAC Executive Committee Member Mike Pruger to discuss recent POREF events and how the organization has impacted their own PORAC chapters. This foundation isn't just another nonprofit; it's our way of taking care of our own through memorial services, financial relief when officers and families hit hard times, and scholarships that invest in our children's futures.

If any members are interested in volunteering with POREF or learning more about how to get involved with the foundation's work, please contact your PORAC regional representatives on the Scholarship Committee or the PORAC office directly.

This National Police Week, let's remember that honoring the badge means standing by every family that sacrifices for it.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zCIiT3tnzv_HE8XNbGsYGXbHkcn0DwbB3_eN3WqVdSQ/edit?usp=sharing

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Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

● POREF Open: https://porac.org/events/poref-open/

● POREF Website: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/

● Scholarship Application: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/scholarship-application/

● National Police Week Information: www.policeweek.org

● California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony: www.camemorial.org

●POREF Donation Page: www.porac.org/programs-services/poref/donate/

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #policeweek #peaceofficersmemorial

Mental health challenges have been long overlooked in law enforcement. Despite increased awareness and resources, we continue to see alarming suicide rates among officers nationwide. Recent research suggests there may be a critical missing link – the connection between repetitive head trauma and mental health conditions.

In our latest "On the Job with PORAC" podcast episode, we explore this vital topic with Stephanie Samuels, Founder of CopLine and a psychotherapist specializing in law enforcement mental health.

For anyone in need of immediate support, the CopLine Hotline (1-800-267-5463) is available 24/7 and is the only hotline addressing the connection between head trauma and officer mental health.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgDyfgg7bxAHuLreV98CVx-AaE3CfpSEWqVQyFa9n5U/edit?usp=sharing

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CopLine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copline__/

X: https://x.com/COPLINE__

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copline-inc-/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copline/

Website: https://www.copline.org/

Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

Concussion Legacy Foundation First Responder Resource: https://concussionfoundation.org/helpline/emergency_responders/

CopLine Hotline: 1-800-267-5463

Article: "Repetitive head impacts and trauma: The missing piece in suicide prevention" by Stephanie Samuels (October 2024): https://apbweb.com/2024/10/repetitive-head-impacts-and-trauma/

California Youth Football Act (AB-1): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1

CNA Report: "Law Enforcement Deaths by Suicide" (March 2024): https://www.cna.org/reports/2024/03/Law-Enforcement-Deaths-By-Suicide.pdf

60 Minutes - A dad's mission to uncover brain injuries after Navy SEAL son's suicide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC54W36HNE&rco=1

PORAC’s research brief on officer health & wellness: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/PORAC-Research-Brief_Officer-Health-Wellness.pdf

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #OfficerWellness #MentalHealth #HeadTrauma #SuicidePrevention

Women in law enforcement bring measurable, evidence based advantages to modern policing the data shows female officers experience fewer use of force incidents and more successful de-escalation outcomes. In this episode of the "On the Job" podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault lean into the "R" in PORAC—Research. We discuss how women officers strengthen public safety and the barriers they face in the profession with Dr. Tanya Meisenholder of the 30x30 Initiative and PORAC Board Member Veronica Limon.

Our guests provide insight into how traditional requirements for peace officers can be thoughtfully adjusted while maintaining rigorous standards and opening up the recruiting pool to qualified women who have been historically under represented. For law enforcement leaders, policymakers, and public safety advocates, these insights offer a roadmap to increasing female representation in ways that strengthen departments and better serve communities. The research-backed strategies discussed demonstrate that recruiting more women officers isn't just about addressing historical challenges—it's about enhancing public safety through proven approaches to improve modern policing.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QAzhaax3u4r8MFgT0TxzFXEe-Inq7FMeTix3LR_f0-o/edit?usp=sharing

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Dr. Tanya Meisenholder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-meisenholder/

Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

● 30x30 Initiative Website: https://30x30initiative.org/

● 30x30 Initiative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/30x30-initiative/

● PORAC Women in Law Enforcement Issue Brief: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-PORAC-Women-In-Law-Enforcement-Brief.pdf

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety