FCPD Announces Establishment of Hispanic Officers Association to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

Fairfax County, VA- As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to announce the newly established Hispanic Officers Association within the Fairfax County Police Department.

Joining Forces with the NLPOA

FCPD is proud to share that our Hispanic Association has officially become a member of the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA). Founded in 1972 by John Parraz and Vicente Calderon, the NLPOA is the largest Latino law enforcement organization in the United States, with over 15,000 members across every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The NLPOA brings together a wide range of professionals, including police officers, deputy sheriffs, federal agents, and legal practitioners. Their mission focuses on combating prejudice and discrimination, reducing juvenile delinquency, and fostering community trust through effective community policing strategies.

Enhancing Language Skills for Increased Community Engagement

In addition to our new association, FCPD recently hosted a “Survival Spanish for Patrol” class at our Criminal Justice Academy. This course is designed to equip our patrol officers with essential Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge to improve their effectiveness and safety while on duty.

Through practical lessons and realistic scenarios, officers learned phrases, commands, and questions that are relevant to law enforcement. The course also provided insights into Hispanic culture, fostering better understanding and community relations.

These initiatives mark a significant step forward in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within Fairfax County. We look forward to the positive impact these efforts will have on our department and the communities we serve.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to connect with a recruiter today!

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