HAPCOA Attends Inauguration of the President’s Commission of Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.

(Washington)  The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) was invited to attend the Inauguration of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.  The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Department of Justice, Grand Hall in Washington, DC.

The DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) coordinated the event and its Director Phil Keith was named as the Chairman of the Commission.  Phil Keith was the former Police Chief of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Welcoming all to the inaugural event and swearing-in of the Commissioners was US Attorney General William Barr.  Mr. Barr said that “This Commission is critical because of the challenges posed by technology as well as ‘a wave of social problems, such as homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illness’ that demand solutions beyond the expertise of police”.  He went on to say in his remarks “All Americans should agree that nobody wins when trust breaks down between police and the community they serve. We need to address the divide”.

Commissioners selected for appointment represent Federal, State, County, Municipal Law Enforcement and several United States and States Attorneys.  Approximately 300 people were invited to attend the event.

The Presidential Commission was formed to study crucial issues in law enforcement which aims to follow along the lines of the last such commission formed in 1965.

HAPCOA proudly reports that member Gina Hawkins, Chief of the Fayetteville, North Carolina, Police Department was sworn in as a Commissioner.  Chief Hawkins also serves on the National Board of NOBLE.

Commissioners of the President’s Commission included:

David Bowdich, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations

James Clemmons, Sheriff of Richmond County, North Carolina

Chris Evens, Chief of Operations of the Drug Enforcement Administration

Frederick Frazier, City Councilman at Large of McKinney, Texas

Robert Gualtieri, Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida

Regina Lombardo, Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives

Erica MacDonald, United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota

Ashley Moody, Attorney General of Florida

Nancy Parr, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Chesapeake, Virginia

Craig Price, Secretary of Public Safety of South Dakota

Gordon Ramsay, Chief of the Wichita, Kansas, Police Department

David Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations

John Samaniego, Sheriff of Shelby County, Alabama

James Smallwood, Sergeant, Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department

Donald Washington, Director of the United States Marshals Service, and

Gina Hawkins, Chief of the Fayetteville, North Carolina, Police Department

HAPCOA members attending this historic event included:  Don Tijerina, Chief of the South San Antonio ISD; Paul Chapa, Chief of the Trinity University Police Department and Anthony Chapa, HAPCOA Executive Director. 

HAPCOA members were also invited to meet privately with the Attorney General Barr in his office.

HAPCOA members attend President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice:  Chief Paul Chapa and Executive Director Anthony Chapa

Commission members are sworn-in by Attorney General Barr.

Chief Paul Chapa, Chief Don Tijernia , Chief Gina Hawkins and Chief Cerelyn Davis (NOBLE National President)

IACP Immediate Past President Paul Cell and HAPCOA Executive Director Anthony Chapa

HAPCOA members meet with Attorney General Barr.  Chief Don Tijerina, Chief Paul Chapa and Executive Director Anthony Chapa.