For those of you who don’t already know, this is the PBA website address.

Years ago, the PBA website was little more than a novelty — a static screen and a few photos that did virtually nothing. But over the past three years, we have re-made the PBA website into a vital, interactive communications tool designed to keep our members informed about critical issues that makes our lives and jobs easier.

Remember the days of trying to find the correct PBA form at the precinct? Well, thankfully, those days are gone forever because you can get the forms on the website. You may have had to add a dependent, change your address or beneficiary. Until recently, you’d have had to swing by 40 Fulton Street or chase down your delegate for the relevant forms. Printing them out at home from the PBA website saves a trip, plus lots of time and frustration.

But our website now does much more than provide forms when you need them. It can keep you in touch with the latest  PBA news.

If you want to know what Pat Lynch said about a certain issue but missed the articles about it in the daily newspapers, you can go to the website and click on to the media contacts section to catch up on the most recent PBA-related news stories. You can even catch radio or television appearances by PBA officials. And whenever the PBA does a media campaign on your behalf, we post the newspaper ads and radio and TV spots on the website.

Whenever anything important occurs that can have a major impact on you or your job, the PBA website is one of the first places to go for the proper information.

Take the Fair Labor and Standards Act lawsuit as an example. Sometime in the future this case will be resolved and, if predictions are accurate, there will be a monetary payday for all who signed up for the suit. That, of course, is the catch. To claim your share of the money, you have to be part of the suit or you won’t be entitled to collect. Today, joining the suit is simple. Log on to the PBA website and you’ll not only get all the latest information about the suit but you’ll also be able to download the necessary forms.

Other features on the PBA website 2003:

When you first click on to the site, on the left, under the PBA shield, you’ll find boxes that provide access to various features. “What’s New” gives you the latest about everything from contracts to news stories to benefits and new dental providers. The “Contract” box updates you on the contract negotiations. (When a contract is settled, this is where you’ll find the correct information.)

The “From Pat Lynch” icon gives you all the messages the president has issued since January 2001. This is a great place to keep an eye on what’s going on and for research too.

One of the newest features on the website is called “Member  E-mail,” and it’s where you can sign up to get e-mails from the union on important topics and issues. All you have to do is fill out an e-mail questionnaire, and you’ll go onto a restricted, police-officers-only electronic mailing list. The PBA will then be able provide you with important information directly to the e-mail address you designate.

A click on the “Employment” button brings up law-enforcement opportunities throughout the country. Here, you will also find a link to Cop Seek.com.

Other PBA website features are “Political Action,” “Media Contacts,” “Publications,” “Press Stories,” “Outside Links,” and “In Memoriam.”

While we have transformed the website into a user-friendly membership tool, more improvements are on the way. Stay connected!