When it comes to the criminal justice field, professionals need as much support as possible; that’s why these five great professional organizations for law enforcement professionals are worth consideration. Although many people believe that law enforcement puts culture over code, the truth is that these professionals need guidance like everyone else, according to Forbes. By becoming a member of these organizations, these professionals find a high standard to live up to as well as an environment that supports their important work.
1. Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
One of the best professional organizations for law enforcement professionals is FLEOA. It is the largest nonprofit professional association that caters to federal law enforcement professionals and boasts a membership roster of over 25,000 professionals from over 65 agencies. The association is also a charter member of the DHS Federal Law Enforcement Working Group and advocates regularly for its members, both on the state and national level. The association provides legal services, training opportunities, and conferences for its members and continues to work tirelessly to ensure these hardworking professionals are supported by the government.
2. American Correctional Association
The American Correctional Association is an excellent professional organization for correctional professionals. It was founded in 1870 and has a stated goal of providing strong leadership in the correctional system as well as supporting the professionals who work in the field. The association also sets an ethical standard within the correctional system and partners with international associations to pursue positive changes within the country by understanding the correctional system in partner nations. Above all, the ACA offers accreditation to college programs in the field and certification once a student enters the field; professional development is also available through the association’s various workshops and online courses.
3. Fraternal Order of the Police
The Fraternal Order of the Police is the world’s largest professional organization for law enforcement professionals. It has a 330,000-strong membership with more than 2,200 lodges located across the country. This fraternity has a stated mission of improving and expanding the working conditions of these professionals as well as advocating for better laws and policy that protect both law enforcement and the communities they serve. The fraternity has a number of benefits, including its own education system, advocacy in Congress, training webinars, and more.
4. International Association of Chiefs of Police
As the only international professional organization for law enforcement professionals on this list, the IACP deserves special mention. This association, which was founded in 1893, has been an incredible asset to chiefs of police both at home and abroad. By providing access to law enforcement professionals all over the world, these officers of the law expand their knowledge and training in criminal justice. In fact, the IACP is responsible for the FBI Identification Division and the Uniform Crime Records system, both of which are still in use today. The body works to promote law enforcement working conditions and laws around the world and is one of the most prestigious organizations in the field today.
5. SEARCH
SEARCH is another great law enforcement professional organization. Its name stands for Solutions, Research, Assistance, and Training and has a stated goal to provide all law enforcement with access to justice information. It is a nonprofit organization that works with local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel to ensure that critical information about crimes, law, policy, and information sharing is duly distributed among its members. Membership is attributed by the governors of each state and territory and consists of annual meetings to ensure that information sharing practices are ethical and contribute positively to criminal cases currently being investigated.
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Law enforcement continues to be an incredibly challenging field. These professionals put their lives on the line every day and their work matters for every individual in the country. With membership in any of these five great professional organizations for law enforcement professionals, they will find a community that supports them as they continue to protect and serve their communities.