Inside The NLPOA

Founded in 1974 by John Parraz of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and Vicente Calderon of the California Highway Patrol, the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) has grown to become one of the largest Latino officer organizations in the United States, with chapters spanning across the nation.

Our mission is to foster equality, professionalism, and growth within the law enforcement community. At the heart of our association is a commitment to uplifting both our members and the communities we serve. We offer an array of opportunities for career development, including mentorship programs, educational conferences, and specialized workshops aimed at empowering the next generation of law enforcement leaders.

Beyond professional development, our dedication extends to community service. We proudly support citizenship initiatives, mentor youth, promote literacy in elementary schools, and provide training for those aspiring to join the law enforcement ranks. Additionally, our promotional workshops equip current officers with the tools they need to advance their careers in police and sheriff’s departments nationwide.

We invite you to be part of a dynamic, supportive network that values education, community service, and professional growth. Join us and make a difference in your career and your community.

The NLPOA Texas State Chapter is dedicated to creating a more just and fair criminal justice system, with a focus on law enforcement. Our mission is to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, ensuring that every individual is treated with respect. We support our members through a professional association that offers advocacy, career development, and personal growth opportunities. By fostering a strong sense of community within our organization, we empower our members to excel in their roles and make a positive impact.

We also work closely with the communities we serve, focusing on preventing juvenile delinquency and reducing tensions in Latino neighborhoods. Through awareness initiatives, role modeling, and offering bilingual assistance, we aim to strengthen the connection between the community and law enforcement. Our goal is to build trust and understanding, creating safer and more cohesive communities for everyone.

The Birth of a Vision
In the early 1970s, the representation of Latino peace officers within California’s law enforcement agencies was strikingly low. Recognizing this disparity, two visionary officers—John Parraz of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and Vicente Calderon of the California Highway Patrol’s San Jose Office—took action. While attending a conference at the Miramar Hotel in Sacramento in October 1972, they conceived the idea of establishing an organization dedicated to enhancing the presence and influence of Latino officers across the state.

Building the Foundation
Driven by their shared vision, Parraz and Calderon began to engage with other officers, advocating for the creation of a Latino Peace Officers Association. Their determination and countless hours of personal time led to the formation of a small but committed group of law enforcement officers from Alameda, Sacramento, Santa Clara Counties, and the San Joaquin Valley. These men were not only leaders but also deeply committed to the mission of an organization still in its formative stages.

The Legacy of John Parraz
John Parraz, who became the first State President of the newly formed association, passed away in March 1979. His passing served as a catalyst, strengthening the resolve of those who remembered his unyielding dedication. His legacy inspired a renewed commitment to the organization’s goals by those who followed in his footsteps.

Official Recognition: A Milestone Achievement
The efforts of these pioneering officers culminated on August 7, 1974, when the Articles of Incorporation for the Latino Peace Officers’ Association of California were officially filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, March Fong Eu. This milestone followed three years of informal meetings among a few dedicated peace officers from Alameda, Santa Clara, Sacramento, and the San Joaquin Valley. For the first time in history, a Hispanic law enforcement group received official recognition, marking an unprecedented moment in both state and national law enforcement.

Earning Respect and Overcoming Skepticism
The unwavering dedication of its members soon garnered respect from other professional organizations and local communities, many of whom had previously viewed Hispanic peace officers with skepticism. The courage of the five officers who signed the incorporation documents cannot be overstated. They did so at a time when such actions could provoke criticism or even backlash from their peers and departments.

The Pioneers Behind the Incorporation
These signatories—John Parraz, Vicente Calderon, John Aleman of the Oakland Police Department, Mariano Flores of the California Highway Patrol in Fresno, and Richard Reyes of the San Jose Police Department—demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to the goals of recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and promotion of qualified Hispanic officers in law enforcement. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of officers who are dedicated to these same ideals.