Legal Defense Plan: Benefits of Joining TMPA

The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) offers a comprehensive legal defense plan that stands out among other organizations. Here’s why joining TMPA ensures you receive unparalleled legal protection and peace of mind:

Choice of Attorney

• Freedom to Choose: Unlike other organizations that require you to use staff or plan attorneys, TMPA allows you to choose any attorney you prefer. This ensures you receive representation from someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
• No Bills: You will never receive a bill for legal services, regardless of the attorney you choose.

Guaranteed On-Scene Response

• Critical Incident Response: TMPA guarantees an attorney will be on-scene for all critical incidents. If an attorney does not respond, TMPA will pay you $500.

Local Legal Expertise

• Multiple Attorneys in DFW: TMPA has multiple attorneys available in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, ensuring you have access to local legal expertise when you need it.

Comprehensive Legal Representation

• Administrative Actions: TMPA provides legal representation for any administrative actions resulting in suspension, demotion, termination, or promotional pass-over, even if the incident is not duty-related.
• Criminal Prosecutions: You receive complete legal coverage for all criminal prosecutions arising from the course and scope of your duties, whether on or off-duty.
• Civil Suits: TMPA provides an attorney to defend and monitor all civil suits arising from the course and scope of your duties, whether on or off-duty.

Coverage of Defense Expenses

• Defense Costs: TMPA covers all necessary expenses to properly defend you, including polygraph tests, private investigator expenses, expert witnesses, and other professional services.
• Arbitration and Judicial Fees: All arbitration or related judicial fees are covered by TMPA.

Proactive Legal Support

• Preemptive Consultation: You have access to an attorney for consultation before any disciplinary, civil, or criminal action is taken against you, allowing you to prepare and protect yourself proactively.

Financial Benefits

• No Hidden Costs: TMPA’s legal defense plan includes no deductibles, co-pays, or reimbursement provisions. You will never receive a bill for the legal services covered under this plan.

Advocating for Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Founded in 1950, the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) is dedicated to protecting the interests of peace officers and public safety employees. TMPA works with professional confidence and skill to represent all issues that impact law enforcement. Here are the key areas in which TMPA excels:

Criminal Justice

• Strengthening Criminal Penalties: TMPA actively works to strengthen criminal penalties, ensuring that laws are robust enough to protect our communities effectively.
• Legislative Advocacy: TMPA fights against legislation that would hinder your ability to enforce the law. We are committed to more than just lip service; we take actionable steps to influence the Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and other critical statutes.

Employment

• Respected Voice in the Legislature: TMPA is recognized as a moderate and respected voice for employment issues in the Texas Legislature. Lawmakers seek our input on employment matters, trusting our expertise and commitment.
• Enhancing Wages and Benefits: Founded to protect the interests of police officers who won civil service legislation, TMPA continues to work towards the enhancement of wages, benefits, and due process for all public safety personnel.

Regulatory and Licensing

• Monitoring Statutes: TMPA monitors and provides extensive input into statutes that guide TCOLE and other commissions affecting law enforcement.
• Regular Contact with TCOLE: We maintain regular contact with TCOLE, offering constructive input and advice on regulatory issues to ensure that law enforcement standards remain high and fair.

Member-Driven Legislative Program

• Representing Members' Interests: TMPA’s legislative program is driven by its members. We ensure that we only endorse and support legislation that is in the best interest of our members, ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are prioritized.

Scholarships for Members' Families

• Supporting Education: Every year, TMPA Charities awards 11 college scholarships to the children of TMPA members, with amounts ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
• Significant Contributions: To date, TMPA Charities has provided over $250,000 in scholarship funds to support the families of our members, underscoring our commitment to their futures.

Why Join TMPA?

By joining TMPA, you become part of an organization that:

• Advocates for stronger criminal justice measures and fights against restrictive legislation.
• Serves as a trusted voice for employment issues in the Texas Legislature, working to enhance wages, benefits, and due process.
• Monitors and influences regulatory and licensing statutes, ensuring fair and effective law enforcement standards.
• Operates a member-driven legislative program, ensuring your interests are at the forefront.
• Provides substantial educational support to members' families through scholarships.

Joining TMPA ensures that you have access to top-tier legal defense and support without the financial burden. This comprehensive coverage and the freedom to choose your own attorney provide invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your duties with confidence.