HONORING FAMILY, EDUCATION & COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE & MENTORSHIP
history of the nlpoa
Our History
The National Latino Peace Officers Association, founded in 1972, is the largest Latino law enforcement association in the United States. It is open to all, regardless of race or ethnic background.
The mission of the National Latino Peace Officers Association is to create a professional association that honors family, education and community through service and mentorship.
The goal of the NLPOA is to focus its resources to:
- Provide professional career development and EEO advocacy for its members.
- Network with the Latino community (and other communities) to reduce conflicts between law enforcement and residents·
- Provide scholarships and other support to students pursuing careers in law enforcement or related fields.
- Assist in community-based programs focused on crime reduction.
- Provide resources coupled with community efforts to advance the betterment of the communities we serve.
nlpoa founders
The Founders
In the early 1970′s two Latino peace officers had a vision of a Latino law enforcement association, working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and the community to recruit, select and retain Latinos into the criminal justice system.
John Parraz, from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and Vincente Calderon, from the California Highway Patrol, using their personal time and money, organized, and eventually founded what is now known as the National Latino Peace Officers Association.
Today, N.L.P.O.A. has chapters from coast to coast. After an organizing period, the National Latino Peace Officers Association was chartered and incorporated on a nonprofit basis in 1974 in San Jose, California. Since then, the Association has grown to become a national association and one of the largest Latino law enforcement associations in the United States.
The NLPOA has chapters in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, and 21 chapters in California.
membership criteria
Membership Types
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP is available to all peace officers actively employed in or retired from any professional position in the criminal justice system and who supports the objectives of N.L.P.O.A.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is available to all, non-sworn persons who identify with, and support the objectives of N.L.P.O.A.