Our History
The Hispanic Police Officers Association (HPOA) was founded in 1979 with a vision—to bring diversity, understanding, and opportunity to the Miami-Dade Police Department. Recognizing the need for greater representation and support, a group of dedicated Hispanic officers came together in the 1960s and ‘70s, determined to create lasting change.
What began as a mission to recruit and empower Hispanic officers has become a thriving, non-profit fraternal law enforcement association. For over 40 years, the HPOA has stood as a pillar of professional development, unity, and advocacy—not only for our members but for the law enforcement community as a whole. We are committed to informing, educating, and equipping officers with the tools they need to succeed, while raising awareness of our profession’s challenges.
Beyond our work in law enforcement, the HPOA is deeply rooted in the South Florida community. Our members actively support numerous charities and initiatives, extending our reach beyond the badge. We take pride in honoring our heritage, serving our community, and shaping the future of law enforcement with integrity, dedication, and heart.
Hispanics in the Law Enforcement Profession
Early Days
In 1957, the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter was adopted, essentially becoming the “constitution” for Miami-Dade County. This consolidated the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire, Corrections, and Animal Control into the Public Safety Department.
The 1960s: The Cuban Exile Community Increases
The 1960s marked a significant wave of Cuban exiles fleeing Fidel Castro’s communist regime, reshaping Miami’s demographics and law enforcement landscape. Tens of thousands arrived through programs like Operation Pedro Pan (which brought unaccompanied minors) and the Freedom Flights, settling predominantly in Dade County.
The sudden influx created cultural and language barriers between law enforcement and the growing Cuban community. Many officers lacked Spanish proficiency, leading to miscommunications and tensions. Recognizing this, Miami-Dade Police sought to recruit bilingual officers, but representation remained low.
1964: The First Hispanic Police Officer Is Killed in the Line of Duty
On August 22, 1964, Miami-Dade Police Officer Carlos Stuteville became the first Hispanic officer killed in the line of duty and the fourth in the history of the department up to that date.
1979: The Beginning of the Hispanic Police Officers Association
The Officers Association for Community Involvement Inc. was established. In 1979, several Hispanic police officers began gathering informally to discuss common problems they faced within the department. These meetings often incorporated other social activities and served as a means of fostering a sense of ‘togetherness’. On October 29, 1979, the Officers Association for Community Involvement, Inc., d/b/a Hispanic Officers Association (HOA), began advocating for better training, fair treatment, and increased hiring of Hispanic officers. Jesus Bencomo, the founder of the HOA, was the first president. The members conducted formal meetings and elections at the Little Havana Activities Center, located at Southwest 8th Street (Calle Ocho) and Southwest 12th Avenue. While they focused on recruiting and promoting Hispanic police officers within the department, they also hosted family picnics and dances, as well as held community projects.
1987: The Hispanic Officers Association Incorporates as the Hispanic Police Officers Association
On August 28, 1987, the HOA was renamed and incorporated as the Hispanic Police Officers Association (HPOA).
2006: HPOA Purchases Its Building
After years of renting office space in the Doral area, the HPOA purchased its current headquarters located in Sweetwater in March 2006.
2008: The Hispanic Police Officers Association Foundation is established
Under HPOA President William Hernandez, the HPOA added the Hispanic Police Officers Association Foundation, Inc. (HPOAF) to help defray the expenses of the dependents of fallen police officers and to assist in the educational expenses of the members and their dependents.
The Beginning of the Hispanic Police Officers Association
2008: The HPOA Gets a New Look
The HPOA trademarked and registered the HPOA badge with a ribbon with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, which has since become the HPOA’s official logo.
2008: The HPOA Foundation & HPOA Advisory Board Established
In 2008, the HPOA established the Hispanic Police Officers Association Foundation, Inc. (HPOAF), a 501(c)3 charity that supports law enforcement officers and their families by awarding college scholarships to deserving students, assisting sick or injured officers, and aiding the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty. In 2019, the HPOA established an advisory board of prominent community and business leaders to lend their expertise and guidance to the organization and support its mission.
HPOA Honored By Miami-Dade County
- February 13, 1987, Metro-Dade County, Hispanic Police Officers Association Day, by Mayor Stephen P. Clark.
- November 16, 1987, City of Miami Beach, HPOA Day, Mayor Alex Daoud.
- November 19, 1987, Metro-Dade County, Hispanic United in Law Enforcement Day, Mayor Stephen P. Clark.
- October 14, 1988, Metro-Dade County, HPOA Day, Mayor Stephen P. Clark.
- November 14, 1991, City of Miami Beach, Hispanic National Law Enforcement Officers Day, Mayor Stanley Arkin.
- February 12, 1994, Miami-Dade County, HPOA Day, Chairperson Arthur Teele.
- February 15, 1997, Miami-Dade County, HPOA Day, Mayor Alex Penelas.
- February 10, 1996, Miami-Dade County, HPOA Day, Chairperson Arthur Teele.
- February 15, 2000, Miami-Dade County, HPOA Day, Mayor Alex Penelas.
- February 14, 2009, Miami-Dade County, HPOA Day, Mayor Carlos Alvarez.
2021: HPOA Receives the Thin Blue Line Tribute Award.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody presented the HPOA with the Thin Blue Line Tribute in 2021 during Hispanic Heritage month for its leadership and the service and sacrifice of its members.
2023: HPOA Receives Key To the City of Sweetwater
In 2023, the HPOA was presented the Key to the City of Sweetwater for being “an outstanding pillar of the community.”