An Introduction to The APA
"Over 30 years as the voice of AZ Law Enforcement"
The Arizona Police Association (APA) is “an association of associations.” The APA represents law enforcement, corrections, detention, probation and constable employee associations. We have member associations in local, county, state, and federal public safety associations. Through the combined effort and strengths of our member organizations, the APA can provide one large, amplified, law enforcement “voice” within our community. The main function of this “voice” is to effectively communicate with and lobby the state legislature, our federal representatives, and when needed, local city and town councils, board of supervisors, individual employers and the communities we serve. Our primary focus is upon issues affecting the working public safety officer, whether these issues concern retirement benefits, adequate pay, adequate equipment, due process rights, effective law enforcement/public safety legislation, or the ability of law enforcement officers to be treated fairly.
A brief history of the APA
Arizonans have always had an independent streak about them, and Arizona Law Enforcement Officers are no different. That is why in 1994 the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) saw the need for a strong statewide voice for independent Arizona Law Enforcement Officers and the Associations that represent them. PLEA President Mike Petchel began the discussions with several valley Associations about forming a Statewide association. And thus, on October 12th, 1994 the Arizona Police Association (APA) was incorporated. The plank member associations of the APA were the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, the Associated Highway Patrolman of Arizona (now the Arizona State Troopers Association), the Peoria Police Officers Association, the Mesa Police Association, and the Tucson Police Officers Association.
Soon after, one by one, several other independent valley metro police associations joined the APA making the voice louder and more powerful.
The APA was approached by a group of Arizona Department of Correction Officers who felt their interest were not represented by their current labor group. The APA recognized the importance of Correction in the overall scope of public safety and agreed to help. The Arizona Corrections Association (ACA) was incorporated in June 2009 with the assistance of the APA and PLEA. As a result, the APA also speaks for county/local detention officers as well.
A major growth in the southern part of the state occurred when the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Arizona (CLEAA) joined the APA in 2012. CLEAA is a multi-association covering southern Arizona including the Arizona Probation Officers Association and the Tucson Police Officer Association.
Then in 2015 the Flagstaff Law Enforcement Association and the Coconino Deputies Association joined the APA representing the northern part of Arizona.
Due to Arizona’s proximity to the southern border and the impact of illegal immigration the National Border Patrol local #2544 (Tucson) and U S Customs and Border Protection CH.16 saw the mutual benefits of APA membership. The APA is a valued partner for these two professional law enforcement associations at the state capital.
Today, the APA is the largest and most powerful legislative public safety voice in Arizona. In addition, many of our member groups belong to the National Association of Police Organization (NAPO) which provides a national voice in Washington for independent Arizona Law Enforcement Officers.
