Who We Are
A professional organization since 1921, CPOA is an association dedicated to the leadership development of California’s law enforcement personnel. CPOA serves more than 24,000 members in that effort by providing the most relevant and in-demand training as well as giving you a voice in legislative advocacy.
Who Can Become a CPOA Member?
Membership is open to sworn and professional public safety personnel from all ranks and agencies within California. CPOA offers both individual and department memberships.
CPOA 101
Organization
What is CPOA?
A non-union professional organization since 1921, CPOA is a 501(c)(6) association dedicated to the leadership development of California’s law enforcement personnel.
Why should someone join CPOA?
CPOA develops your leadership skills through training, advocacy and opportunities to make meaningful connections within our 24,000+ member network. Your membership benefits will allow you access to:
- Discounts on hot topic trainings in your local region
- Guaranteed free seats for trainings as a CPOA Department Member
- Legislative updates and bill analyses at your fingertips
- Access to discounted CPOA publications (i.e. Legislative Digest of New Laws, Pitchess Motion Manual, Skelly Manual, etc.)
- Email updates on new legal issues and monthly case summaries of new legal rulings
- Earn legal guidance and protection through FOP’s Legal Defense Plan (LDP)
- The opportunity to build your resume by serving on one of CPOA’s committees or regional boards
How many members do we have?
As of 2023, CPOA has more than 26,000 members, from Department Memberships and Individual members.
Who can be a CPOA member?
Membership is open to sworn and professional public safety personnel from all ranks and agencies within California.
How is CPOA structured?
Our membership is comprised of 12 geographic Regions, with each Region having its own board of volunteer members who drive CPOA activity at the local level.
Does CPOA have committees?
CPOA has Board Development, Events, Law & Legislation, Membership and Training committees. The criteria for committee participation is CPOA membership.
Training & Events
What types of training does CPOA offer?
CPOA averages about 30-40 trainings per year on both POST-certified and non-certified courses on a range of topics from Public Records Act (PRA) to Internal Affairs (IA), Legislative updates, Use of Force liability, and more.
Who can attend CPOA trainings?
Both members and non-members can attend, but not the public.
What are CPOA’s “Signature Events”?
COPSWEST and the LAW ENFORCEMENT LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT
Advocacy & Legal
On what issues does CPOA lobby?
Any legislative or policy proposal impacting day-to-day policing across California’s law enforcement profession.
Does CPOA have a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
No, but we do provide candidate or ballot measure endorsements if candidates complete our questionnaire. We don’t give money to candidates but have in the past made donations to ballot measure campaigns.
Does CPOA provide legal protection?
Yes, supervisory and management personnel are provided the opportunity to enroll in Legal Defense Plan (LDP) coverage through membership in CPOA’s FOP Lodge 100.
