Latin American Law Enforcement Association (LaLey)

The purpose of this organization is to provide professional, educational, social opportunities to its mentorship, Law Enforcement, and to the community.

In 1967, a group of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers founded the Latin American Law Enforcement Association (LA LEY), inspired by a shared commitment to advancing Latinos and other underrepresented groups within the Department.

From its inception, LA LEY has been dedicated to mentoring and assisting officers throughout the promotional process, encouraging service and advocacy within the community, and serving as a leading voice for equal opportunity and minority representation in the police workforce. LA LEY’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of LAPD employees through professional and personal development while emphasizing the importance of building strong community relationships.

Throughout its history, LA LEY has played a vital role in advocating for its members and ensuring that qualified officers are recognized and promoted across all ranks of the Department. In 1971, Rudy De Leon, one of LA LEY’s original founding members, became the first Latino Captain in the LAPD—an important milestone in the Department’s history.

In 1992, the City of Los Angeles entered into the Hunter–LA LEY Consent Decree to resolve an employment discrimination lawsuit brought by African American, Hispanic, and Asian sworn personnel. The Consent Decree established programs designed to provide underrepresented minority officers with additional training and expanded opportunities for promotion and career advancement. That same year, LAPD Chief Willie L. Williams appointed Robert S. Gil as the Department’s first Latino Deputy Chief.

LA LEY has continued its mission by fostering mentorship relationships, organizing social and professional events, promoting career development, and hosting seminars open to all Department personnel preparing for promotional opportunities. Recognizing the importance of education, LALEY also established a scholarship program for the children of its members pursuing higher education.

Many LA LEY members and long-time supporters have since risen through the ranks of the Department such as Commander Anne Clark who became the first Latina Commander in the LAPD in 2015. Other historical landmarks include Deputy Chief Ruby Flores who became the first Latina Deputy Chief in 2024 overseeing Operations-Valley Bureau.

Beyond leadership milestones, LA LEY has remained deeply engaged in the professional and personal development of its members. The Association has established enduring mentorship programs, hosted promotional preparation seminars open to all Department personnel, and organized social, cultural, and professional events that strengthen unity within the LAPD. Recognizing the importance of education and opportunity, LA LEY also created a scholarship program to support the children of its members pursuing higher education.

LALEY’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of all LAPD employees and to improve the Department’s relationship with the community by developing our employees, networking with all aspects of the community, protecting the rights of others and promoting camaraderie through our social activities.