It’s Who You Know
It’s a widely known saying, “It is not what you know, but who you know.” While few professionals will discredit the ability to gain knowledge through education and training, many will give a nod to the importance of networking and connecting with one’s occupational peers.
Within the law enforcement and telecommunications fields, there are a plethora of state, national and international associations and organizations to aid in connection and professional opportunities.
Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN) President Jill Stulz (Photo by Jim Robertson).
“Law enforcement (and telecommunicators) should not only join professional organizations but also be active in them as well,” said Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network President Jill Stulz. “Pick one, maybe two, that you are passionate about. Attend the meetings and conferences, or volunteer to help on a committee, because your connections in those organizations will open doors to opportunities you might not have otherwise.”
Among those opportunities are the professional resources, the ability to note the association on one’s resume, networking and idea sharing with peers and industry leaders, finding leadership and volunteer opportunities, and more, according to a publication by UMass Global, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts.
Additionally, several organizations host yearly events where officers and telecommunicators can keep up with public safety and legal trends, receive training and view vendor expos.
Kentucky Peace Officers Association (KPOA) President Chip Nowlin (Photo by Jim Robertson).
Kentucky Peace Officers Association President Chip Nowlin added that professional organizations can also help individuals stay involved in the causes they believe in.
“Law enforcement officers should join local organizations to promote their profession and themselves positively within their communities,” noted Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr., President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police.
Making it Work
While the lives and careers of public safety professionals are increasingly demanding, some might wonder if they have time to add an organization membership to their plate.
“Membership in professional organizations/charities requires not only a commitment to the cause but a commitment to time management,” said Nowlin, adding that those who don’t feel they can manage both probably shouldn’t overextend themselves at that time.
Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police (KFOP) President Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. (Photo by Jim Robertson).
Perdue, who joined the KFOP on his first day at the Winchester Police Department in 1982, said that members can make time for what is most important to them—that they must have a passion to enhance their profession and image, and to be a positive influence.
Making professional and personal commitments work takes a lot of planning and dedication. Finding an organization that aligns with one’s schedule but, most importantly, one's goals is key, Stulz explained, adding that KWLEN has virtual attendance options and social media interaction making it easier for members to come together.
“The takeaway for me is being able to have a group that offers continued support and encouragement to members, as well as contributes to the greater good,” she said. “Those things last for years and can give benefits far exceeding the time needed for a bi-monthly meeting or annual conference.”
ORGANIZATIONS FOR KENTUCKY PEACE OFFICERS AND TELECOMMUNICATORS
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) – Kentucky Chapter
APCO is the world’s oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization for public safety communication. The organization brings new information, ideas and training opportunities to telecommunicators.
Who can join: According to the international webpage, eligibility is awarded to public safety practitioners who staff, manage, command or operate an emergency communications center (ECC) and/or supporting information system, industry partners who design, construct, install equipment or software, students and educators. More information on these categories can be found on the national APCO webpage.
Membership fees: Rates for each category or level of membership varies, including whether someone wants to be a full or associate member. Group rates are also available.
Available training: APCO International offers several front-line telecommunicator courses, as well as leadership and technical-education courses. APCO also offers programs such as the Registered Public Safety Leader Program (RPL) and Certified Public Safety Executive Program (CPE). Kentucky APCO has partnered with Kentucky NENA to bring Leadership trainings across the state. Kentucky APCO and Kentucky NENA also play a significant role in planning and hosting the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference which offers several training opportunities which are taught by subject matter experts.
For more information, click the link above, or complete this contact form.
Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP)
KACP is dedicated to furthering the law enforcement profession and seeks to do so through sharing information and building partnerships.
Who can join/fees: Contact KACP via the information below for details.
Available training: Each year, KACP hosts an annual conference with a variety of engaging training sessions and boasts the largest law enforcement vendor exp in the state, according to their webpage. Additionally, the organization posts links to additional training opportunities from various professional entities on their site for further exploration.
For more information, click the link above, email sbutler@kypolicechiefs.org, or call 859-743-2920.
Kentucky Emergency Number Association (KENA)
KENA is solely focused on 911 operations and seeks to inform and educate its members on technology, policy, and setting standards and best practices. According to organizational bylaws, they also “foster the development, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number common to jurisdiction(s) through research, planning, training and education.”
Who can join: Active membership is available for those working within the telecommunications field. Those working in the business sector in a related-technology field that services, promotes, sells, etc., communications equipment or systems can obtain a commercial membership. An associate membership is for non-public safety-related individuals who would like to support the organization.
Membership fees: Rates are available for public sector/ government voting members at $147, private sector/commercial voting members at $177, telecommunicator non-voting at $60, and associate non-voting at $102. Group membership options are available.
Available training: Training is provided for frontline telecommunicators and leadership. Additionally, NENA offers Center Management Certification Program and Emergency Number Professional Certification. KENA and APCO partner together to provide quality and free training to public safety telecommunications professionals and play a significant role in planning and hosting the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference.
For more information, click the link above or fill out the organization’s contact form.
Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police (KFOP)
A branch of the National Fraternal Order of Police, KFOP seeks to promote and foster the enforcement of the law, improve the proficiency of members in the performance of their duties, encourage fraternal, educational and charitable activities among officers, and advocate for law enforcement issues such as pay enhancement, benefits and health to the public and to the government.
KFOP has about 11,000 members withing the state’s 67 local lodges across the state. Additionally, there are associate and auxiliary lodges.
Who can join: All active and retired law enforcement officers are eligible for membership.
Membership fees: Dues are set by each local lodge.
Available training: The FOP provides training on enforcement, administration, wellness and more. For training information, reach out to a local lodge, the state FOP or visit the national FOP training page.
For more information, visit the link above, email kystatefop@gmail.com or text 502-369-7416.
Kentucky Narcotic Officers’ Association (KNOA)
KNOA is a non-profit organization that seeks to assist in intelligence sharing for cooperative work forces, enhance technical and professional skills, provide training, support anti-drug information to the public, and monitor legislation relating to drug enforcement.
Who can join: Any sworn officer who is employed full-time and has drug enforcement within their responsibilities.
Membership fees: Rate is $50 for general membership.
Available training: Courses are provided each year during the KNOA Training Conference.
For more information, visit the link above, email tommy.loving@ky.gov or call 270-843-5343.
Kentucky Peace Officers Association (KPOA)
According to their webpage, KPOA is the Commonwealth’s oldest professional law enforcement organization, which was established in 1935. They are forward-focused and seek to advance the science and art of police administration and crime prevention, build teamwork among members, develop and disseminate best practices, and hold their peers to high standards of conduct.
Who can join: Full-time, sworn peace officers in Kentucky are eligible for active membership. Full-time law enforcement administrators or instructors are eligible for active membership provided they have been sworn peace officers prior to becoming an administrator and/or instructor. Retired peace officers are also eligible for active membership.
Membership fees per year: $30.
Available training: The organization provides professional development and skills training. Courses taught have included firearms, tactics, street survival, and extracting cellphone data.
For more information, visit the link above, email info@kentuckypeaceofficers.org, or call 859-494-5000.
Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association (KSA)
KSA encourages social, charitable, and educational activities among members, as well as their development through continuing training. It seeks to promote and provide safety for sheriffs, educate the public, and promote observance of the law. The organization is also the sponsor of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch for underprivileged children.
Who can join: Active sheriffs and former sheriffs are eligible. Associate members and the public can seek involvement through the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch.
Membership fees per year: For current sheriffs, membership is based on county size. Retiree membership is $35. Associate memberships for the public are available through the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch.
Available Training: Training on trending topics, legal and leadership is provided at the organization’s annual conference.
For more information, visit the link above, email kysheriffs@windstream.net or call 606-267-6161
Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN)
KWLEN brings together law enforcement professionals, educators, support personnel, and individuals seeking law enforcement careers. Members can take part in mentoring programs and learn about statewide law enforcement issues.
Who can join: Men and women from local, state and federal agencies, as well as educators, students and civilian personnel from within the criminal justice system. Associate memberships are open to anyone age 18 and above.
Available training: In addition to an annual conference, KWLEN recently started bringing additional training opportunities to their members that might not otherwise be available such as a Women in Law Enforcement Course taught by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and Calibre Press’s Women in Command.
Membership fees per year: $25 for sworn/active members, $20 for non-sworn members/retirees and $15 for students.
For more information visit the link above or email kwlen1999@gmail.com.
Writer’s note: All information was compiled from organization webpages. For up-to-date membership dues, available training, and eligibility, please contact each individual association. Additionally, this list is not comprehensive. Rather, it serves as a starting point for researching opportunities available within the law enforcement and telecommunication fields.
