Public Safety Practice

Group Overview

RSHS fields a group of attorneys, investigators, and consultants with years of practical experience in the unique issues confronting our clients’ public safety departments. 

Personnel Advice

Beginning with the first report of potential misconduct, it is imperative that public agencies properly apply the Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act and Firefighters’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act to ensure that the investigation, imposition of discipline, and any administrative appeal are immune from legal attack.  Our attorneys regularly provide advice to public agency representatives during each phase of the disciplinary process

Administrative Appeals

Public safety officers subject to discipline are often provided with attorneys who specialize in the issues specific to police officers and firefighters.  The agencies employing these officers should enjoy the same expertise.  The RSHS team includes former police officers and firefighters intimately familiar with issues and practices specific to police and fire departments, and who apply that knowledge during the appeal process and any administrative writ procedure which may result.

Litigation

By the nature of their jobs, public safety officers are often required to make split-second decisions under very stressful circumstances, some of which are scrutinized through litigation.  From the initial phases of discovery all the way through trial, RSHS team members apply their practical and legal expertise to guide our clients through this often rigorous process. 

Internal Investigations

Our attorneys and investigators have conducted hundreds of workplace investigations, several involving public safety officers.  The RSHS team is keenly aware of the importance of competent and impartial fact-finding investigations, the standard of proof necessary to sustain allegations of misconduct, impose discipline, and meet “for cause” requirements. 

Labor Relations

The RSHS team has a long history of successfully negotiating contracts with public safety collective bargaining groups on behalf of their employers, particularly during difficult economic times.  Our attorneys also have an impressive track-record in mandated interest arbitration proceedings.

Training

We offer training in Workplace Investigations, the Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act, and Firefighters’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act.  We are also able to customize training based upon our clients’ varying needs and budget.

Contact Person

Todd Simonson is the firm’s point person on the Public Safety practice.  You can reach him at (415) 678-3831 or tsimonson@publiclawgroup.com