Teamsters Local Union 991 has filed paperwork to represent Lynn Haven police officers, investigators and detectives. Officials with Florida's Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) say 14 of 20 Police Department employees have filed "showing of interest cards."

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 28, at Lynn Haven City Hall. Some locals say they're in favor of bringing in union reps to negotiate with the city. Amon Adkison says, "They're at a lot of risk and we pay a lot of taxes for this stuff, and they should get a good salary for what they do for being at risk all the time."

Kathy Marsh says, "They're out on the streets doing the things that they're supposed to do. And, many times that takes away from their ability to go out and take care of things themselves whenever there is a question about legalities."

Marsh worked with the Florida Department of Corrections, and says she understands the need for unionizing. Others are conflicted.

Dave Morse says, "I think unions have their place, but I also believe there's a lot of room for corruption and I think that we've seen that in the auto industry. The collapse of that in the U.S. is largely due to the unions."

Next week's hearing will decide who will be in the bargaining unit. PERC officials say an election is down the road.

Earlier this year, Panama City police officers voted to unionize under the Teamsters. The union has been in wage negotiations with city officials ever since, and as of yet, no contract.

Lynn Haven City Mayor Walter Kelley dismissed the Teamsters representation as a rumor, saying he hasn't seen any paperwork.