Date of Award

December 2015

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Urban Studies

First Advisor

Joeseph Rodriguez

Committee Members

Donald Green, William Velez, Steve Brandl, Javier Tapia

Keywords

Latino, Mexican American, Police Subculture, Policing, Ruerto Ricans

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INCORPORTATION OF LATINO POLICE OFFICERS INTO THE MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT: HOW A GROUPS OF LATINO POLICE OFFICERS SHED THE “BLUE SHIELD” FOR A LATINO IDENTITY

by

Antonio G Guajardo Jr.

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 2015

Under the Supervision of Professor Joe Rodriguez

This study examines the issue of ethnic identity and its importance to the Latino police officers in the MPD. The study also explores the relationship between these officers and Milwaukee’s Latino communities, analyzing historical incidents of activism within these communities meant to pressure the Department into hiring Latino officers. It also examines the officers’ experiences and views regarding the importance of their ethnic identities and their identities as professional law enforcers. The study also historically analyzes the organizations formed by the Latinos officers, the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) and their effect on the police subculture within the MPD. The study reveals that identity was an important factor in their professional experiences for the Latino Peace Officers Association interviewed. Further, the organizations they formed, the National Latino Peace Officers Association, had an impact on the influence of the police subculture. The NLPOA helped Latino officers pull away from the police subculture, shedding the “Blue Shield,” moving to identifying with the Latino community.

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