National Black Police Association (United States) facts for kids

The National Black Police Association (NBPA) is a group of African American police associations from different parts of the United States. They work to make sure that law enforcement is fair, just, and effective for everyone. The NBPA has many groups across the U.S. and also has members in Canada, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom. Its main office is in Dallas, Texas.

About the National Black Police Association

The National Black Police Association was created in November 1972. This happened after a meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. More than thirteen different African American police groups were there. These groups came from places where African Americans faced unfair treatment.

Since then, the NBPA has worked hard to improve the relationship between police departments and minority communities. They also check how well policies and programs in the justice system affect minority groups. The NBPA helps encourage minorities to join police service. They also work to fix problems like police corruption, unfair treatment, and racial discrimination. A big part of their work is teaching police officers to act with professionalism and kindness.

How the NBPA is Organized

The National Black Police Association has five main areas in the United States: Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western, and Midwest. Each area has a President who is chosen by vote. They also have an Information Officer who is appointed. These people represent their area at the national meetings.

At the national meeting, members from these areas form the Board of Directors. This board looks after the organization's money, projects, and programs. The national board then votes for one member to become the Executive Director of the organization. The National Black Police Association holds a national conference every year. Members from all over the country meet to talk about the association's work.

What the NBPA Believes In

The NBPA has clear ideas on many important topics related to law enforcement and communities.

Working with Communities

The NBPA strongly supports a way of policing called Community Policing. This idea means that the community and the police should work together as true partners. This helps make communities safer for everyone.

Stopping Crime Before It Happens

The NBPA believes that more money and effort should go towards stopping crime before it even starts. They support using national and local resources for this purpose.

Views on Punishment

The NBPA is against capital punishment (the death penalty) in all cases. They believe it is unfair, wrong, and goes against the principles of the United States.

Rules for Handguns

The NBPA supports national laws about handguns. They want to stop the making of new handguns. They also want to limit how handguns are sold, owned, and used.

Stopping Unfair Police Actions

The NBPA believes that police brutality must be faced, controlled, and made illegal by all police departments across the United States.

Where Police Officers Should Live

The NBPA thinks that police officers should be required to live in the same city or town where they work.

Supporting Women in Policing

The NBPA fully supports women in law enforcement. They believe women are equal partners in police work. They also think women can perform just as well as their male co-workers.