About Us

WE ARE THE NLPOA-MN

The National Latino Peace Officers Association, Minnesota State Chapter (NLPOA-MN) was established in 2002 by a group of pioneer police officers who shared the same values, vision and mission of the trailblazing founders of the Latino Peace Officers Association of California in 1972.

MISSION

The mission of the NLPOA-MN is to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the criminal justice system; specifically in law enforcement, and to foster a fraternal/professional environment that provides support, advocacy, personal and professional development to its members; to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency; lessen and eliminate tension in Latino Communities through awareness, role modeling and to offer bilingual assistance to the public, bridging the gap between the community and the police.

PARTNERSHIPS

Supporting the NLPOA-MN means you are now part of the 50-year tradition of improving and evolving law enforcement for the betterment of all communities and for those working and supporting law enforcement. You are part of a 100% volunteer team that mentors and supports students, officers, and the public for the betterment of everyone in our community. The NLPOA-MN is a well-recognized and reputable charity in the state of Minnesota and donors can trust that 100% of their donations are carried to their intended beneficiaries because our volunteers are exactly that and none of them are salaried or compensated. We are an all-inclusive, 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization and all donations and contributions are 100% tax-deductible (EIN: 75-3040215). Members and supporters of the NLPOA-MN do not need to identify as Latino nor have a current peace officer license to be a member.

OUTREACH & OPERATIONS

The NLPOA has been in existence for more than 50 years and the NLPOA-MN 20 years. We work with all law enforcement agencies and government bodies at the highest levels to exchange ideas and promote both the NLPOA’s mission and the agencies’ mission in an equitable and productive way. Heads of the largest law enforcement agencies in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs are NLPOA-MN members. Our front-line outreach and operations are funded by our donors and partners; driven by our volunteer members in the following committees:

STUDENT MEMBER SERVICES (SMS) COMMITTEE

This committee assists our student members by providing mentorship, academic assistance, interview preparation, background process assistance, and any other tasks that will help our students succeed in their path to a law enforcement career.

In addition to the student mentorship, the SMS Committee will organize and administer the “Bill Martinez” scholarship fund by intaking applications throughout the year, performing interviews in April and November and coordinating the scholarship award ceremony in May and December.

LATINA WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PANEL COMMITTEE

This committee plans and organizes an annual forum to showcase and celebrate the hard work and achievements of local Latina leaders and stakeholders.

CINCO DE MAYO COMMITTEE

This committee will determine our annual activities for Cinco de Mayo and participation in the two largest celebrations in the state, St. Paul’s West Side and South Side Minneapolis.

NAVIDAD CON LA COMUNIDAD (SHOP WITH A COP) COMMITTEE

This committee is responsible for securing the location of our event, developing a list of children we will support, fundraising, and coordinating volunteers with multiple agencies. You will work with other members as a committee member to accomplish the listed tasks.  This committee will need many members and begin its planning early in the year.

Commitment: With many committee members, the commitment will be low to medium as we approach the event.  This event is also one of the most successful for the NLPOA.

ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

This committee plans and organizes electoral ballots and campaign processes for members that wish to be part of the Executive Board of Directors for standard 2-Year terms. Interested members need to be in “good standing” in order to vote and to be an active or retired law enforcement officer for the positions of President, Vice-President and Treasurer. The positions of Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms are open to Associate members.

HOLIDAY PARTY & MEMBER RECOGNITION COMMITTEE

This committee will plan and coordinate the NLPOA-MN Holiday party.  The committee will find a location and negotiate the best price for food and space.