A main motivation for creating CLER and building this website came from the fact that as RLEOs, we didn't always get fully informed on a wide range of possibilities that are inherent to a career in reserve law enforcement. Our webmaster, Michal Carson, created a social networking area that allows members to easily keep in touch, build friendships, and share knowledge, best practices, and experiences that surrond our lives as RLEOs.
As a result, I've been getting great advice from some genuine reserve gurus, including Colonel Steve Sheffer, retired Chief Al Chertok, and Trooper Charlie Bryant. Charlie's been an Alabama Reserve Trooper for 37 years, and he's seen it all. He called me recently to tell me about federal death and disability benefits that do exist for RLEOs. This was something that most of us know nothing about.
Charlie also shared with me his lifetime of experience as an Alabama Trooper, which has included lots of good times, and some rough ones as well. Through our membership, we can learn a lot, and maybe avoid pitfalls that have already been found by other agencies. We can also get good ideas on what works regarding recruitment and retention of RLEOs: this is our biggest challenge. In our largest states, RLEO numbers have plunged over the past decade. We need to understand why this has happened, and what we can do to turn it around. One vital aspect is the unwavering, firm commitment by our agencies to their reserve programs and officers. We're a valuable resource, and in today's economy, we come at the right price.
Again, Charlie, thank you for the call, for your interest, and for your advice!
