HAPCOA Leaders Deliver Key Presentation on “Leader-vention” at the NLPOA National Training Conference

(San Juan, PR) The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) was proud to take part in the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) National Training Conference held October 1-4, 2025, at The Hilton Garden Inn in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The conference brought together law enforcement leaders from across the nation to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and build pathways for the next generation of Latino leaders in policing.

HAPCOA National President Mary Ruiz was invited to attend and provided welcoming comments during the NLPOA Gala on behalf of HAPCOA. Mary affirmed HAPCOA’s continued commitment to mentoring, leadership, and professional development.

A highlight of the conference was the Chiefs Leadership Panel held on opening day, featuring influential leaders who shared personal experiences, lessons learned, and guidance for rising professionals. Former HAPCOA National President Chief Paul J. Chapa (Trinity University Police Department, San Antonio, TX) joined an esteemed panel including Chief Pedro Lopez (NLPOA National President), Retired Chief Art Acevedo, Chief Don Aguilar, and Retired Chief Juan F. Balderrama.

In addition, HAPCOA Executive Director Tony Chapa and Chief Paul Chapa co-presented a powerful training session entitled: “Leader-Vention: Staying Relevant as a Police Leader/Soon to be Leader in the 21st Century Police Environment”.

The Leader-vention program focused on the critical need for law enforcement leaders to continually adapt in an ever-changing policing environment. Topics included:

• The importance of self-awareness and professional renewal.
• How to balance tradition with innovation.
• Building trust through transparency and community partnership.
• Avoiding stagnation by developing mentoring relationships and succession planning.
• Embracing technology and modern policing strategies while holding fast to core values of service, integrity, and accountability.

The session emphasized that leadership is not a fixed achievement but an ongoing journey requiring intentional growth. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their current practices, identify blind spots, and commit to forward-thinking strategies to remain effective and relevant in today’s dynamic policing landscape.

Through Leader-vention, HAPCOA underscored its mission to equip current and future police leaders with the tools to navigate challenges, strengthen communities, and preserve the noble traditions of law enforcement while meeting the demands of the 21st century.