About CLEOA

The History of the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers' Association can be traced back to 1916 when the principal law enforcement officer in the state was the county sheriff. At that time, the sheriffs were organizing the basis for our present day association. By 1920, there were 27 sheriffs in the group, which met from time to time throughout the state to discuss law enforcement problems.

In 1922, this group formulated the first bylaws and was called the Colorado Sheriffs' and Peace Officers' Association. The Association grew and prospered.  In 1974, at the 54th Annual conference, the name was changed from the Colorado Sheriffs' and Peace Officers' Association to The Colorado Law Enforcement Officers' Association.

The philosophy of the association when it was founded in the early days has remained basically unchanged throughout the many years. Association goals include advancing all areas of the law enforcement profession to the highest degree possible, elevating the standards of the profession and its members, and encouraging a cooperative and networking interaction among law enforcement officials throughout the nation.

This association does not discriminate as to race, creed, sex, or age, nor does the association have any intent or desire to take part in, or be part of, or be involved in politics.