Rich Roberts, a Democrat and member of the Club, has enjoyed a long career in law enforcement, public safety policy, and security consulting. He is currently the Director of Special Operations and Public Information Officer for the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO (IUPA) who are headquartered in Sarasota.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, IUPA issued a policy paper cautioning the people making suggestions and recommendations in reaction to the Newtown school shootings, to avoid a counterproductive emphasis on gun control in favor of more effective measures.

The union, which represents rank and file police officers across the country, warned that what they referred to as the “growing and rancorous debate over gun control” will distract from more immediate and practical actions. The report states clearly, “We need to be wary of ‘simple’ solutions to such events and the ‘bumper sticker’ rhetoric so pervasive on both sides.”

Please join us on February 9th, to hear Mr. Roberts expand on the ideas presented by IUPA and his reactions to the recommendations of Vice President Biden’s task force. Mr. Roberts view on this topic as a veteran of law enforcement may challenge our perspective and will certainly lead to a great question/answer session.

Reservations are required.

Read instructions below carefully.

To make a reservation, e-mail reserve@sarasotadems.com and indicate the name of your guests and your menu choices, or leave that information on the voice mail at 379-9233.

Menu choices for this month are:

• Chicken Caesar Salad OR
• Grilled Corvina Buerre Blanc with Rice Pilaf and Vegetable OR
• Grilled Veggie Wrap with a Side of Fruit

Dessert is Key Lime Pie

The luncheon is held at Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd, Sarasota, FL. Travel 2 miles east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road. Turn left at the light at Gary Player Blvd. Bent Tree will be on your right. Proceed past the guard shack, through one stop sign, and the club house will be on your left. In February we are in the back dining room, the Garden Room. Enter the Club House from the entrance to the left of the main entrance (the one not under the awning).

Social Hour starts at 11 with the program beginning promptly at noon.

NEW PRICE AS OF JANUARY 2013: Cost for Members is $24 each. Cost for non-members or walk-in’s is $26 each. You may pay by cash or with a check made payable to the DCS. Please fill out your checks ahead of time.

IMPORTANT – Reservations are required and must be made by midnight on Wednesday, February 6th. Cancellations must also be made by midnight, February 6th or you will be billed for your meal.