Our Valued Former Past Presidents
Our History
The Women Peace Officers Association of California was organized on November
16, 1928 in San Bernardino at a luncheon sponsored by the Los Angeles
Policewomen's Association. The Los Angeles association sponsored the first
survey done in California which identified women police officers from throughout
the state. This survey was conducted by Alice
Stebbins Wells of the
Los Angeles
Police Department. The twenty-six women officers present voted to organize
a statewide association and elected Mrs. Wells as its first President. The
goals were to promote training for policewomen at a time when women in law
enforcement were not allowed to participate in the same training as their
male counterparts. Today we have grown into an organization of both men and
women dedicated to the advancement of women in law enforcement.
Since its inception the WPOA has consistently provided a forum of continuing
education and training. We have sought to develop an atmosphere that encourages
camaraderie and provides for an open exchange of ideas.
Over the years we have grown and expanded our goals to include
scholarships for law enforcement personnel, support
of the Peace
Officer's Memorial in Sacramento, participation on the P.O.S.T.
(Peace Officer's
Standards in Training) Advisory Board, current legislative information,
statewide awards for professional achievment and
valor. |