IMB Manager Up to His Old Tricks Again

Just when you think that the antics of Field Operations Supervisor Mike Apple can't get any lower, he surprises with another blatant attempt to get information to burn agents with.

Most agents are aware that Apple has people working at the RVS cameras who report to him when they see something they don't agree with on the video feeds. A few seconds taken out of context by someone far removed from the action can lead to months of investigations, grief for the accused agents, grand jury investigations, or even criminal prosecution. Apple's take on these situations seems to be slanted towards the accusers, not to the agents.

Recently we have become aware of Apple's latest "slash and burn" tactic. Certain shifts have a contact/cover unit that works between the primary and secondary fences providing back-up to the line units. To ensure that this unit provides ample coverage to the line units, Apple has enlisted the help of a new, highly-trained, supervisory unit: the minimum wage paid, LAPR card carrying, KIEWIT security officers.

From information provided by these security guards, Apple has given them his cell phone number so that they can inform him of how many times they see the contact/cover unit during a shift. Apparently Apple does not trust the agents enough to do their job correctly, nor does he trust his own managers to properly supervise those agents. If that is the case it is deeply disturbing.

Is this tactic known to and approved by sector and station management, or is it solely the design of one misguided manager? Members need to be aware of this new tactic and are advised to use caution when dealing with FOS Apple. Remember that according to our contract should Apple or any other supervisor wish to speak with you, and you feel that discipline may result from that conversation then you are entitled to union representation. With these kind of tactics currently being used by some supervisors, we advise that you call a union rep...quickly.

Unless the management at Imperial Beach does something to correct FOS Apple's actions, we foresee more events like this occurring in the future. Please contact us if you are aware of similar incidents.