About

HAPCOA, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, established in 1973, is the oldest and largest association in the U.S. of Hispanic American command officers from law enforcement and criminal justice agencies at the municipal, county, state and federal levels. With members in hundreds of agencies across the United States and Puerto Rico, many of whom are active in local chapters, HAPCOA is a national organization with a local presence.

Our Mission

HAPCOA’s mission is to “empower the future of law enforcement” by assisting law enforcement, criminal justice and community organizations nationwide in their efforts to recruit, train, mentor and promote qualified Hispanic American men and women committed to a career in the criminal justice arena and to communities in which they serve and protect. Additionally HAPCOA serves to assist in the promotion and development of Hispanic’s in law enforcement.

HAPCOA members have attained a high level of success within their respective law enforcement agencies.

Through HAPCOA, chiefs of police, sheriffs and police superintendents from around the country are committed to meeting the challenges of selection, promotion and retention of Hispanic American men and women in professional law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The courageous men and women of HAPCOA also work diligently to address the concerns of their respective communities and improve community relations through the implementation of innovative, state-of-the art training and educational programs.

HAPCOA members have attained a high level of success within their respective law enforcement agencies, offices and departments through their professional dedication and personal commitment. As they continue to make significant contributions to law enforcement, these exemplary officers serve as positive professional role models for aspiring young law enforcement officers.

Membership in HAPCOA offers professional development opportunities to its members through an annual national training symposium. Each year, at the symposium, HAPCOA recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations through its Aguila Awards program. In addition, membership in HAPCOA offers an information-sharing and support network for all Hispanics in law enforcement. Members may participate in the events and activities of any local chapter and also have access to HAPCOA’s National newsletter. HAPCOA also offers education and training in the Hispanic community both at the local chapter, as well as at the national levels.

HAPCOA grant programs are approximately 95% federally-funded. The annual national training symposium is made possible through corporate sponsorships and registration fees. All other initiatives rely exclusively on membership support – i.e., annual dues.

HAPCOA Past Presidents

Left to Right:

Frank Hernandez, NCIS (2005-2006)
Ray Leyva, Los Angeles Sheriffs Department (2006-2007)
Jim Pina, Phoenix Police Department (2007-2008)
Hector Hernandez, US Secret Service (2008-2010)
Tony Cox, NCIS (2010-2011)
Joaquin Herran, Los Angeles Sheriffs Department (2011-2012)
Paul Chapa, Trinity University (2012-2013)

Letter from the Interim President

HAPCOA just celebrated its 50th anniversary. What an enormous accomplishment!!!

I am so honored to serve as your Interim National Board President for 2024.

Being part of a leadership organization that provides mentorship; networking; training; and professional development to our diverse work force of brave men and women who risk their lives each and every day to keep our families, communities, cities, and states safe is such an honor.

As Interim President of HAPCOA, I am committed to ensuring we will continue to collaborate with you our members; partners; sponsors; and the law enforcement community to mentor, promote and provide opportunities for professional development to all our members.

It will remain the mission of HAPCOA to “Empower the Future of Law Enforcement” by assisting law enforcement; criminal justice; and community organizations nationwide in their efforts to recruit, train, mentor, and promote qualified Hispanic American men and women committed to a career in the criminal justice arena and to communities in which they serve and protect.

I am indebted to all the great people of HAPCOA who came before me and especially to you, our members. I look forward to being of service.

Thank you.

Very respectfully.
Mary Seguin Ruiz
Supervisory Special Agent, retired
IRS-CI