NLPOA Contra Costa

N.L.P.O.A.

The goal of the National Latino Peace Officers Association: Contra Costa Chapter is to promote equality and professionalism in law enforcement. The objectives of the organization are to create a fraternal/professional Association that provides its members and members of the community with career training; conferences and work shops to promote education and career advancement; mentoring; and a strong commitment to community service.

NLPOA members build bridges between law enforcement and their communities while working to reduce neighborhood tensions through awareness programs and role model programs. Our philosophy regarding youth and education has reinforced the important contributions that our cultural diversity has provided this great nation. The National Latino Peace Officers Association in the largest Latino law enforcement association in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

Working within the framework of the Mission and summarizing the objectives

Advocate the recruitment, retention and advancement of Hispanics in the criminal justice system.
Develop and maintain specific methods for generating interest in law enforcement / criminal justice careers among Latino youth, particularly through role-modeling, leadership training projects and scholarships.

Serve as a liaison between the Hispanic community and local law enforcement.

Promote fund-raising in order to finance our scholarships, youth, sports, senior and other community related programs and activities.
Network with other community organizations, civic and business leaders, and individuals who share our vision, programs and activities.
Promote unity, professionalism and brotherhood among Hispanics, other minorities, and non-minorities in law enforcement.

MISSION

The mission of the National Latino Peace Officer’s Association, while embracing the peace officers motto, “To protect the public from criminal activity,” is to specifically direct its resources toward developing and strengthening a “Fraternal” structure that provides support, advocacy, personal and professional development and an environment that provides the opportunity for the development of a professional bond between Latino Peace Officers. In addition, through the herein described national, state, and local structures, NLPOA shall work towards achieving equitable representation at all levels: promoting career and upward mobility; enhancing the image and professionalism of law enforcement in general and Hispanics in particular; encouraging Latino youth to consider law enforcement and criminal justice careers; and serving as a liaison between the agencies in the criminal justice system and the Latino community.

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 Officer’s 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.

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.