The Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association or HNLEA is a non-profit group of professionals that is dedicated in implementing justice and promoting the interests of the Latinos and minorities in the profession of law enforcement. This group also aims to assist the government, law enforcement bodies and officers, community members and other related agencies to be more aware of the concerns of the Hispanic community.
History of HNLEA
In May of the year 1990, five officers of the Prince George’s County Police Department went to New Jersey to meet up with the leader of a growing Hispanic Law Association at that time. After the said meeting, the five officers were very inspired to create a new group – Hispanic Police Officers Association of Maryland.
Their inspired idea was realized in June of the same year as they gathered more officers from different agencies located in the state. The small group that they started further developed into a social organization which later became an affiliate of the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association. This tie-up paved the way to the creation of its new name which we now know as HNLEA.
The organization has two main purposes: to support the Hispanic community and to facilitate for the best interests of the officers. HNLEA is very dedicated when it comes to providing excellent service to its communities and fulfilling the needs of the members by promoting change and awareness in the law.
As the group continuously grows, it also proceeds to funding different programs that will foster the progress of a community. Examples of these programs are the Christmas baskets for the needy, Christmas Toys for Tots and Hispanic Festival. They also support summer camp groups for the minors and alcohol and drug prevention activities.
Membership Program
HNLEA is accepting applications for membership up to this day. In fact, they are strongly encouraging all sworn law enforcement officers who serve in recognized police agencies. An officer who wants to be a member of this group must be sponsored by at least one active member and will be charged an annual due of $50. This amount may be paid through Paypal, cash, check or money order. Aspiring members who are not officers may apply for the associate membership or business membership. The group is open to anyone who has the interest in enhancing both the large community and minority law enforcement groups of the Latinos.