“CSLEA has a critical incident response protocol in place and it has repeatedly proven to be successful in getting our members the immediate LDF assistance that’s needed when an officer-involved shooting happens.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SACRAMENTO – On Friday, January 26, 2024 at approximately 10:15 a.m., California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Chief Counsel and Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Legal Administrator Kasey Clark was contacted regarding an officer-involved shooting (OIS) near Palisades Tahoe involving a State Park Peace Officer Ranger. After speaking with the involved officer to get basic details as to what gave rise to the shooting and the officer’s location, Clark contacted David P. Mastagni, of the Law Firm Mastagni, Holstedt APC who immediately dispatched Attorney Timothy Davis, who is also a retired officer from the Sacramento Police Department and former president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA). Based on Davis’ prior experience, he is well familiar with the dynamics of the scene of an OIS.
One of the many important benefits CSLEA members have is access to prepaid legal representation through the CSLEA Legal Defense Fund (LDF). LDF coverage is available 24/7 to provide legal support for matters arising out of the normal course and scope of employment, including officer involved shooting investigations.
“No peace officer should be without access to a Legal Defense Fund,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “If you are working without union membership that offers an LDF, you are essentially working without a safety net that protects you, your job and your financial security.”
Having an LDF panel attorney by an officer’s side immediately following an OIS is necessary as the follow-up investigation begins and statements are required from the officer involved. CSLEA retains the services of LDF panel attorneys throughout the state to provide their expertise following critical incidents and who make their services available at all times of the day and night. CSLEA members who have requested the response of CSLEA LDF panel attorneys following critical incidents have expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation for having this imperative assistance during the course of critical incident investigations as the many hours that follow an OIS can be very tense, emotional, and exhausting.
For more information regarding CSLEA’s Legal Defense Fund click here.
To sign up for CSLEA membership online, click here
To contact CSLEA with any questions you may have, email contactus@cslea.com.
