4 American Police Beat: January 2018 The Peace Officers Re- search Association of Cal- ifornia (PORAC), repre- senting more than 70,000 public safety members and 930 associations, an- nounced that San Diego Police Officer Brian Mar- vel is the organization’s new president. In addition to his service in the U.S. Navy, the San Diego PD veteran is a re- spected law enforcement professional who brings 18 years of public safety experience to the job. Marvel replaces Mike Durant, the Santa Barbara senior deputy sheriff who held the position for four years. Durant will be re- tiring in early 2018. “Mike was a daring leader and a dedicat- ed peace officer,” not- ed Brian Marvel, the incoming president. “I look forward to t h e c h a l l e n g e a n d wish Mike the best in his retirement.” Brian joined the San Diego Police Department in 1999. He served ten years in patrol operations at several divisions. He currently works in the Wellness unit and is the Military Liaison of- ficer for the department. Marvel is also a veteran and an adjunct professor at the San Diego Regional Police Academy. In 2007, Brian was elected to the Board of Directors for the San Di- ego Police Officers As- sociation and in 2009 he Statewide police association welcomes Brian Marvel was elected to the first of five two-year terms as President, representing over 1,850 members. In addition, Brian is the past Board President of Cal- ifornia Against Slavery, which spearheaded the passage of Prop 35 (2012), the Californians Against Sexual Exploitation Act; which was the most suc- cessful ballot initiative since California began the process in 1914. Brian Marvel has spent the last two years as Chap- ter President of PORAC’s San Diego & Imperial County Chapters and he is the treasurer for the Cali- fornia Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations. “P ORAC is on the front line of public policy defense for officers who protect Californians and a staunch advocate for public safety,” said Marvel. “I know the job is demanding and I am prepared for the chal- lenges that lie ahead for law enforcement.” Marvel has dedicated his life to protecting the people of our nation and our Great State. In his new capacity, he will be tasked with managing PORAC’s leg- islative package, work- ing with stakeholders to ensure Californians are safe. Marvel will be travelling throughout the state, meeting with public safety stakehold- ers to share his ideas and discuss how to improve the profession and best utilize limited resources. Feel free to contact Bri- an at the PORAC office: (916) 928-3777. The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) was incorporated in 1953 as a professional federation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Today, PORAC represents over 70,000 pub- lic safety members and over 930 associations, making it the largest law enforcement organization in California and the largest statewide association in the nation. New blood brings a lot of experience to organization I t’s always a tough thing when you’re trying to be safe rather than sorry. For instance, it’s always a good idea to check the kids’ Halloween can- dy for bad stuff even though the razor blades in the Snickers bar stories almost always turn out to be false. With all the talk about the dangers posed to police officers and civilians alike by new, powerful opioids like Fentanyl, some agencies are warning residents to be careful in terms of what they touch. But an Arkansas police department is walking back warnings about the Police dept. walks back warning Brian Marvel replaces Mike Durant, the Santa Barbara senior deputy sheriff who held the position for four years. Durant will be retiring in early 2018. ★ ★ dangers posed by shopping cart handles that might be contaminated by harmful substances. The Leachville Police Department (AK) recently warned locals to vigorously wipe down the handles of grocery carts. “The po- lice chief suggests you do it also because of all the problems with drugs nowadays and if theyhaveFentanylorsomethinglikethatstill ontheirhandsandtheytouchthatcarthandle and then you do, it can get into your sys- tem,” said the police department. Shortly after the website Snopes dis- pelled the claim that shopping carts posed such risks, the agency removed the warn- ing from their Facebook page. “The post about the fen- tanyl was sent so [sic] me from another officer at another Department. I simply shared it. I’m [sic] should have checked into it further before I posted it. Sorry for the confusion,” someone at the police department posted, according to KTRK News.