When cities or counties experience a rise in crime rates, it is common to hear leaders call for “more cops on the street.” Certainly, more law enforcement officers per capita is one way to hold down crime. But the answer is not just “more cops,” but rather “more qualified cops.”

In our society, law enforcement has been made more complex by a growing number of rules and regulations that govern how police officers must conduct them in the field and how entire departments must go about addressing public safety. Therefore, today’s police officer must approach his or her work with more intelligence and sensitivity to the needs and wants of the community, as well as a clear understanding of the legal and regulatory environment.

It is with this in mind that the Educational Foundation of the Latin American Law Enforcement Association (LALEY) was established.

The Foundation has 501c3 status, and is a California Nonprofit Public Corporation. Its specific public and charitable purposes are to promote and foster better relations between the law enforcement community and the community in general; to provide information and education to the public regarding law enforcement and safety issues; to provide information, resources and financial support to persons who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement; and provide educational support and training to members of the law enforcement community.

In short, the Foundation seeks to support those who are pursuing an education in law enforcement at a credentialed school. It also seeks to provide assistance to those who are already working in law enforcement so that they may advance to higher ranks and responsibilities in their respective agencies.

The founders of the Foundation believe that their mission is not simply charitable, but that it will ultimately result in an improved quality of life in our communities by increasing public safety and better relations between citizens and law enforcement.