The California Peace Officers' Association has various committees, each of them being an integral and pivotal part of making today's law enforcement the best they can be, all these committees are available for any member to join. If you are interested in joining any of our committees or task forces, please complete the
Committee Sign Up Form.
For a list of the lead volunteers for each committee, please see
2011/2012 Committee Chairs Roster.
The Awards Committee develops and oversees criteria for the Annual CPOA award program, reviews award nominations and makes selection of recipients. Committee meets via teleconference1-3 times a year and once in-person to make selections. We are looking for well-rounded individuals who can contribute their life experiences toward the discussion of recognizing exemplary actions in the field. Committee activity is typically focused from January-May. Most past members have felt it an honor to serve on a committee that is able to recognize their peers at such a level.
The Communication Committee oversees CPOA's publications, providing the membership with timely, relevant and pertinent law enforcement related information. These publications include the California Peace Officer and Journal of California Law Enforcement. We are looking for individuals that like to keep their finger on the pulse of public safety and that can recommend and/or have a network to identify timely topics and authors for our publications. Committee meets via teleconference 4-6 times a year. The Communications Committee is made up of a chairperson, two sub-committee chairman and the members of the committee or region representatives. The committee is ably assisted by CPOA staffer, Tricia Schomus; she can be reached at
tschomus@cpoa.org or 916.263.0541. This committee meets via teleconference four to six times and one in-person on an annual basis.
The Endorsements Committee recommends candidates for CPOA endorsement during election years. Committee meets via teleconference (primarily) on an as needed basis (dependent on endorsement requests) but typically no more than 4 times a year. We are looking for individuals who have an interest in the political process at both a local and/or statewide level and who maintain some level of current political awareness. This committee will most likely grow in focused activity as we approach the elections. The CPOA endorsement is a respected and coveted endorsement. This committee’s activity is important to the integrity of CPOA and its mission.
The Law and Legislative Committee reviews current legislation having an impact on law enforcement/public safety. It determines whether the association supports, opposes or takes no position on specific pieces of legislation. These positions are then communicated to the Legislature and CPOA membership.
The Membership Committee will have the responsibility of developing, reviewing, and maintaining CPOA programs and services so that these services efficiently and effectively meet the current needs of its members. This committee has the responsibility of recommending means for increasing CPOA's membership base. This committee meets via teleconference quarterly.
The Committee will have the responsibility to investigate the qualifications for CPOA's elected offices and annual preparation of a list of qualified nominees for all elected offices in CPOA in accordance with the schedules and procedures outlined in CPOA's Bylaws. The Nominating Committee is appointed by the President and is comprised of a Chief of Police, a Sheriff, and three other members of the Association who are not a Chief or a Sheriff.
The Police Legal Advisors Committee reviews and discusses the status of legal decisions relating to law enforcement providing impetus for change where needed.
The Public Affairs Committee helps promote the professional image of law enforcement by providing experts for media questions and participation on POST’s Law Enforcement Image Coalition.
This committee promotes, encourages and enhances minimum standards with an emphasis on ethical and professional expectations for the recruitment, selection, retention and career development of peace officers. This committee meets via teleconference every other month.
Gives overall direction and guidance for the COPSWEST Tradeshow and its ancillary activities, helps with program development and marketing as well as vendor, attendee and sponsor solicitations.
The primary responsibility of the Training Committee is to ensure that CPOA is providing the most contemporary leadership development training to law enforcement professionals in California. Committee members are tasked with providing knowledge and guidance to staff to direct these efforts. The CPOA Board of Directors has signaled out the association’s training program as being one of the core values provided to membership (and law enforcement as a whole) and has directed staff to expand the training calendar and professional development activities into 2010 and beyond. We are looking for committee members who stay on the leading edge of public safety issues and who are willing to help to suggest/develop training programs identified either within, or external to, committee activities. Committee meets via teleconference 4-6 times a year and is occasionally asked to assist with logistics (introductions, registration coordination, etc.) of events in their geographic area.
The California Peace Officer Associations Homeland Security Task Force was formed in 2008 to encourage law enforcement leaders, task force members, and homeland security professionals to meet and discuss best practices and emerging trends in the area of homeland security and terrorism. The task force will meet regularly and will provide advice and recommendations to the President of CPOA and membership through; reports, training, and articles. The task force will also assist local, state, and federal law enforcement and homeland security agencies as requested. The task force will be chaired by Chief (Ret) Jerry Adams, who currently serves as the Director’s Public Safety Liaison to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security.
The Women of Excellence Task Force is committed to the education and promotion of a healthy and balanced life for women through training, education, advocacy, action oriented research and forums for dialogue. We will be a valuable resource for professional development and lifelong intellectual growth.
If you are interested in joining any of our committees or task forces to help bring innovative ideas to the law enforcement community please complete the Committee Sign Up Form.
[Active Committees can access their committee meeting packets here.]