What is the role of police unions?

The role of police unions primarily focuses on representing officers in negotiations concerning benefits, pay, and working conditions. Unions advocate for their members' rights and strive to secure better salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, and improved working conditions through collective bargaining agreements. This ensures that officers have a voice in matters that affect their professional lives and can address any grievances they may have related to their employment.

While training new recruits, investigating serious crimes, and managing public relations are important aspects of a police department's function, these tasks are typically handled by the department itself or designated units. Unions specifically serve to protect and advance the interests of law enforcement personnel, making the representation in negotiations their core function.