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.