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The National Black Police Association (NBPA) is a prominent organisation composed of sub-regional African American Police Associations, committed to advancing justice, equality, and efficiency within law enforcement. With its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the NBPA extends its influence across the United States and beyond, boasting associate members in Canada, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom.

History

Founded in November 1972, the NBPA emerged from a pivotal meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, where representatives from over thirteen African American Peace Associations, all from regions plagued by racial discrimination, convened to address shared concerns. Since its inception, the NBPA has focused on fostering improved relationships between police departments and minority communities, assessing the impact of criminal justice policies on minorities, encouraging minority recruitment in police services, and advocating for reforms to tackle police corruption, brutality, and racial discrimination. The association is also dedicated to educating police officers to operate with professionalism and compassion.

Structure

The NBPA is structured into five regions across the United States: Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western, and Midwest. Each region elects a President and appoints an Informational Officer to represent their interests at the national level. These regional representatives form the NBPA’s Board of Directors, overseeing national funds, projects, and programmes. The board annually elects an Executive Director to steer the organisation. An annual national conference serves as a forum for members nationwide to discuss the association's ongoing efforts and future strategies.

Membership

Membership in the NBPA requires a one-time fee of $100, followed by any additional monthly charges imposed by the organisation. Members gain access to specialised events and conferences designed to enhance their professional training. Additionally, they receive a membership card that offers discounts on air travel and hotel accommodations, along with an Official Lapel Pin symbolising their affiliation with the NBPA.

Political positions

The NBPA is vocal about several key issues:
- Community Policing: The NBPA advocates for a genuine partnership between the community and police, aiming for safer neighbourhoods.
- Control of Narcotics: The NBPA believes that curbing the influx of hard narcotics into the United States requires collaborative efforts between the supplying countries and the federal government.
- Crime Prevention: The NBPA calls for increased allocation of resources at both national and local levels to focus on crime prevention.
- Capital Punishment: The NBPA opposes capital punishment, arguing that it is un-American, unjust, and unconstitutional.
- Handgun Control: The NBPA supports national legislation to restrict the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of handguns.
- Police Brutality: The NBPA insists that police brutality must be confronted, controlled, and ultimately eradicated by all police departments across the country.
- Police Officer Residency: The NBPA advocates for police officers to reside within the city or municipality they serve.
- Women in Police Work: The NBPA is a staunch supporter of gender equality in law enforcement, asserting that women are equally capable of performing all duties alongside their male counterparts. The NBPA's influence extends beyond mere advocacy; it plays a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that aim to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The organisation continues to be a significant voice in the ongoing dialogue about race, policing, and justice in America.