About SALEA

The history of the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (SALEA) is rooted in courage, representation, and the determination to serve.

In 1966, the Philadelphia Police Department hired its first Latino police officers as part of Class #180: Joe Martinez and Ramon “Speedy” Vargas. Others soon followed, including Nelson Rodriguez of Class #181. Recognizing the need to expand opportunities, the department later offered the entry exam in Spanish, opening doors for many more Latino applicants. Class #182 included Jack Plaza, Carlos Pablos, Luis Matos, Santos Rivera, Juan Delgado, Carlos Rivera, Raul Quiñones, Luis Melendez, and Ruperto Figueroa, among others.

By September 1969, the Philadelphia Police Department had 25 Latino officers. That same year, in preparation for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, Latino officers were ordered to practice marching and drilling for their participation. After a week of mandatory practices at the Police Administration Building parking lot, 20 of the 25 Latino officers gathered at the home of Officer Mike Deyne of the 26th District, where they discussed forming an organization to support Hispanic police officers.

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This meeting became the first official gathering of what was then known as SAPA the Spanish American Police Association. Bylaws were written, and a logo was designed in honor of the founding members, who except for one were of Puerto Rican heritage. The logo included the United States and Puerto Rico flags and featured a lamb symbolizing sacrifice, taken from the Seal of Puerto Rico. The logo and name were unanimously approved by the membership and registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In 1983, the membership recognized that the organization’s name limited its ability to grow and recruit beyond the Philadelphia Police Department. The name was officially changed to SALEA the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association. This new name reflected a broader mission and helped attract a more diverse membership. At the time of the name change, there were approximately 150 officers.

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Today, there are over 700 Latino police officers in the Philadelphia Police Department, and SALEA’s membership continues to grow. Our association is over 500 members strong, made up not only of Latino officers from diverse backgrounds, but also of members of all races and nationalities, including African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and many white ethnic backgrounds. We are proud to be an inclusive organization that welcomes all who support our mission. Our Board members are all volunteers, and there are no paid positions within our organization. SALEA remains run by active and retired law enforcement officers elected by the membership, staying true to the vision of our founders while continuing to advocate, support, and serve.