In 1997, a group of African American employees met for the first time collectively to address employment issues affecting African Americans in the Dallas County Sheriffs Department. These issues ranged from employment and promotional opportunities to benefits and discipline.  In 1998, after being encouraged to organize and welcomed by the Texas Peace Officers Association Dallas (TPOA) and TPOA Dallas' President, Thomas Glover, we officially became a part of the Texas Peace Officers Association - Dallas (TPOA). Our twelve founding members comprised what was known as TPOA Dallas County Committee. The charter members are Charles Bailey, Bernard Berry, Norma Bums, Shelia Carter-Jones, Pattie Dotsy, Odis Favors, Willie Green, Derce Kirby, Martha Rand, Anthony Rounds, Darryl Sellars, Mark Tolliver, Wilson Womack and Isaiah Young.  The Dallas County Committee served and worked in conjunction with TPOA - Dallas and the National Black Police Association to address the many concerns of the Sheriffs Department employees and the African American community.  Over the years the Sheriffs Department membership grew from 14 to over 250, while incorporating membership from Dallas County Constable Offices

 and Law Enforcement practitioners from various agencies within Dallas County.  After realizing such a tremendous growth in membership and an increase in demand for representation, Dallas County members felt it necessary to establish a separate organization that focused on Dallas County members and employment issues that were unique to its membership. As a result, on March 1,2004, the Dallas County Peace Officers Association (DCPOA) was established.  Upon organizing, minority employees realized achievements and blazed trails that have never been traveled by African Americans in the Sheriffs Department 150 year history. Never before had we secured supervisory positions in the Criminal Intelligence Division, Civil (Writ Execution) and Court Services (Bailiff Division). Dallas County members were influential and caused the Department to abandon the "Good OP Boy* Promotional Process and adopt a more equitable process that utilized Oral Interview Boards composed of cultural diverse Law Enforcement personnel from various agencies throughout the country such as Philadelphia, California, Nevada, and Arizona.  Prior to our existence, members had no recourse or any one to support or advocate fairness and

fairness and consistency in discipline on their behalf.  With the help of our attorneys and organizational leadership, we have successfully argued to overturn unfair punishment and policies that adversely affected us. We've opened communication with the Sheriff s Department Administrative Staff, US Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other officials both locally and state wide..  Through our community outreach efforts, we strive to serve as a voice in the community and promote quality law  enforcement service and living conditions for Dallas County citizens. We do so by participating in or producing events and projects such as the Sand Branch Community Adoption and Black History Program, Thanksgiving Food Drives, Community Gun Buy Back Program, Christmas Toy and Clothing Drives, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, NAACP Walk-a-Thon, and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price's Annual Kwanza Fest We have provided services for the Skills for Living Youth Abstinence Program, sponsored Recruit Luncheons, served as instructors and put on community training projects such as Identity Theft.  With the assistance of the Honorable Ron Price, we have identified schools in the Dallas Independent School District that may benefit from our mentoring program. "Back to School" program that assists kids in preparing to start up the new school year.  The program provides personal services such as hair care, cuts, and styles, school supplies, clothing, school enrollment information, and much more.  It is through our mentoring program and scholarship fund raising programs that we have set out to intervene and positively impact the life and future of Dallas County youth. 

Dallas County Peace Officers Association is a 501© 3 organization purposed with educating, promoting, developing, and cultivating professional opportunities for minority peace officers and civilians seeking careers in the Criminal Justice System.  DCPOA will provide educational and charitable community service to the general public.  Our mission is…”to promote positive policing in  the community through Education and Interaction  of all those we serve and protect.

 

The History of D.C.P.O.A.