LEO: Protecting and Serving Diversity.
About Us
Mission Statement: To promote and increase cultural diversity in law enforcement and correction careers; to provide education to communities of color and women regarding career opportunities within these professions; and to assist law enforcement and corrections agencies in the recruitment of these populations.
History
In May 1991, professionals representing law enforcement, corrections, higher education, and community organizations, met to identify and address issues associated with the recruitment of women and people of color into law enforcement and correction careers. The committee organized as a non-profit organization under the name of Law Enforcement Opportunities (LEO).
As a non-profit organization, LEO continues to promote and increase cultural diversity in law enforcement and correction careers. Each year LEO sponsors its annual Career Fair to assist organizations with informing women and persons of color about career opportunities required for these professions. The annual Career Fair is free and open to the general public
- Promote and increase cultural diversity in law enforcement and corrections careers;
- Provide education to communities of color and women regarding career opportunities within law enforcement and corrections;
- Assist law enforcement and corrections agencies in the successful recruitment of these populations;
- To provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to eligible applicants interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement or corrections. Scholarship monies are used to fund eligible applicants' related training and education expenses.
WHAT DOES LEO PROVIDE?
Networking
Change occurs through networking. Goals often become reality with the assistance and input of others. YOU can be a part of networking.
Employment
Law Enforcement and corrections agencies throughout the state are always seeking qualified individuals to hire, and LEO can provide the communication tools to bring the applicant and agency together.
Scholarships
LEO offers individuals an opportunity to apply scholarship dollars that can assist them in pursuing their academic education. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Interviews take place in July. Income from generous donations and the Annual Career Fair are used for the LEO Scholarship Fund.
Education
Working with high school counselors, LEO will be awarding scholarships to deserving high school students interested in the field of law enforcement.
LEO Board of Directors
- Al Cooper, Chair
MSP Airport Police Dept. - Tracy Vogt, Vice Chair
Minnesota State Patrol - Pete Bravo
St. Paul Police Department - Scott Buegler
Mall of America - Juan de Dios Rangel
Metropolitan State University, School of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice - Pamela Kelly
Minnesota Department of Corrections - Andre Koen
Anoka County Administration - Juan Lopez
Metropolitan Airports Commission - Lisa Quinn
Inver Hills Community College, Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Student - John Reed
Minneapolis Police Department - Kristen Tomlinson
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office - Giovanni Veliz
Minneapolis Police Dept. - Kevin Whitlock
Three Rivers Parks District Police Department
Additional Minnesota Technical Schools and Colleges:
| Century Community And Technical College | White Bear Lake | MN |
| Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul | MN |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato | MN |
| Minnesota State University-Moorhead | Moorhead | MN |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington | MN |
| North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park | MN |
| Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud | MN |
| Saint Marys University Of Minnesota | Winona | MN |
| University Of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth | MN |
| University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis | MN |
| University Of St Thomas | Saint Paul | MN |
| Winona State University | Winona | MN |