About the FOP FAQs
Does the Fraternal Order of Police have a Legal Defense Plan?
The FOP offers a legal defense plan that is owned by the Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge and administered by Hyatt-McLean Inc. under the guidance of the Legal Aid Committee. It is self funded and has an insurance back-up to cover catastrophic cases.
How does the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police raise money?
The Nebraska FOP has two main fund-raising ventures. The first is the Nebraska FOP Journal. This magazine is published twice a year by Callen Publishing and goes to members and advertisers. The magazine contains articles of interests to law enforcement officers and citizens. The second fund raiser is a telephone solicitation handled by Civic Development Group, at the request of the state lodge.
Where does this money go?
Monies raised by the Nebraska FOP go to various places. First and foremost $100,000 has been pledged to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial, which is being built in Grand Island. This memorial honors all of our brothers and sisters who have paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Money is also donated to / for the Nebraska Leukemia Society, Nebraska Special Olympics, Scholarship Programs, and legislative matters to improve working conditions for police officers in Nebraska.
Do all 10 members have to belong to the same department to form a lodge?
No. These 10 members can the from any department in the state. As a rule though, if your department needs members, it is usually best to get them from the same geographic location. A lodge can consists of sheriffs, police officers, and troopers. The state bylaws specify that in order to join you must be a full-time or retired police officer.
Is the FOP affiliated with any Labor Unions (AFL / CIO)?
NO. The Fraternal Order of Police has no labor union affiliations. The Fraternal Order of Police is first and foremost a fraternal organization for the benefit of it's members. A number of agencies in Nebraska use their local FOP lodge as a bargaining unit.
Does this mean the state officers will sit at the bargaining table with the local lodges?
No. The State Lodge will assist you in preparing for the bargaining session, but it will not be at the bargaining session. Why? Because the state lodge does not know your city council or county board members as well as you do.
Can we join the FOP as a fraternal organization and then decide to use the FOP as our bargaining unit at a later date?
Yes. To make this decision easier for you and your lodge, the Nebraska State FOP pays your first year state and national per capita tax. If you decide later to use the FOP as a bargaining unit, the Nebraska FOP will pay the fees it takes to get your lodge recognized as a bargaining unit.
If we already belong to a bargaining unit and want to change and go with the FOP as a bargaining unit, can we change with no loss of contract benefits?
Yes you can. All new have to do is notify the entity you are bargaining with that you WANT to change your bargaining unit to the FOP. Again, when you do this, the State Lodge will pay your fees for re-recognition.
Can I or any member of my department be fired for joining the FOP?
NO. Joining the FOP is no different than joining the POAN, NSA, or STAN.