WCPA Membership Types: Review membership eligibility requirements and annual dues.

Individual Membership: Types, Dues & Benefits

Find the membership category that fits your role, review the application requirements, and explore the resources and savings available through WCPA membership.

Before You Apply: Sponsorship & Endorsement

Every applicant must be sponsored by a WCPA member in good standing.

Associate and Leaders of Tomorrow applicants may be sponsored by any WCPA member, but must also be endorsed by the Principal Member of their organization.

Principal

$150.00 / year

Principal membership is reserved for persons holding the highest paid appointed chief of police or chief administrative position in a law enforcement agency authorized by a city, village, township, or the State of Wisconsin.

The Board of Directors may also grant Principal membership to the chief administrative officer of a federal agency if that agency has a major responsibility for investigating crime and enforcing the law, and the authority to make arrests in matters of criminal conduct in Wisconsin.

Associate

$100.00 / year

Associate membership is reserved for:

  • Former Principal Members.
  • Persons holding full-time paid management positions in a municipal law enforcement agency.
  • Full-time paid administrative officers or directors of an authorized governmental agency concerned with the administration of criminal justice.
  • Publicly employed training coordinators or academic staff concerned with training and education in the criminal justice field.

Eligible positions include, but are not limited to, assistant chiefs of police, inspectors, deputy inspectors, captains, lieutenants, sheriffs, command officers, heads of federal or state law enforcement agencies not granted Principal membership, law enforcement training coordinators, and similar law enforcement positions.

Endorsement required: Applicants must be endorsed by the Principal Member of their organization, in addition to meeting the sponsorship requirement.

Affiliate

$100.00 / year

Affiliate membership is available to persons holding positions in privately supported professions or occupations directly concerned with improving and developing the police profession’s technical and administrative skills.

Eligible positions include, but are not limited to, training consultants, commercial security administrators, private detectives, suppliers of police equipment, and similar positions.

Out-of-State Retired

$100.00 / year

Out-of-State Retired membership is reserved for persons who have honorably retired from an out-of-state position that would have qualified them for Principal membership in the Association.

Leaders of Tomorrow

$100.00 / year

Leaders of Tomorrow membership is reserved for non-command-level sworn law enforcement officers in a municipal agency who are not otherwise eligible for Associate membership.

Endorsement required: Applicants must be endorsed by the Principal Member of their organization, in addition to meeting the sponsorship requirement.

Ready to join? Start your WCPA individual membership application.

Connect. Learn. Lead.

Individual Membership Benefits

Join Wisconsin’s oldest and largest association of law enforcement leaders. WCPA membership connects you with professional training, legislative advocacy, valuable resources, and savings that support your career and your agency.

Save on Training. Strengthen Your Network.

Receive discounted registration for the Winter and Summer Training Conferences & Expos presented through the Wisconsin Police Leadership Foundation (WPLF). Explore contemporary issues, emerging trends, and practical strategies that matter to Wisconsin’s law enforcement leaders.

Connect with fellow leaders during Chiefs’ Night and other networking events, and explore products and services from more than 150 technology and service providers.

Training that counts: Conference training hours can be applied toward annual training requirements mandated by the Wisconsin DOJ’s Training & Standards Bureau.

View Conference Dates & Locations →

A Stronger Voice for Wisconsin Law Enforcement

WCPA represents its members in the Wisconsin legislative process through the work of its elected officers, lobbyists, and Legislative Committee. We advocate for legislation that advances the profession and oppose measures that could undermine effective law enforcement.

Established relationships with legislative leaders help bring members’ concerns forward, while legislative updates keep you informed about issues affecting your agency and community.

Member Resources & Professional Connections*

Access a secure, password-protected member website designed to help you stay connected and manage your membership.

  • Membership directory: Find and connect with fellow WCPA members.
  • Account management: Update your membership profile and manage renewals.
  • Community forum: Exchange ideas, share files, ask questions, and participate in discussions with your peers.

*Certain resources and community forum topics are available only to Principal and Associate members.

Member Savings on Education, Travel & Services

Make the most of your WCPA membership with educational discounts, savings on professional services, and special hotel rates. Select a banner below to learn more about each offer.

NOTE: Hyatt and Staybridge Suites hotel savings: The advertised discount excludes WPLF Training Conference stays.

Find Your Next Hire—or Your Next Opportunity

The WCPA Job Board connects agencies with qualified candidates and helps members explore opportunities for career advancement.

  • Save up to 50% on job listing rates.
  • Post your resume at no charge.
  • Browse and respond to job postings for free.
  • Expand a posting’s reach with the option to email it to the WCPA membership.

Support Better Hiring & Promotion Decisions

Since 2001, WCPA has partnered with Stanard & Associates to provide discounted public safety testing services that support Wisconsin law enforcement agencies’ hiring and selection processes.

More than 200 Wisconsin agencies have used entry-level, promotional, dispatcher, and detective/investigator exams available through this partnership.

Invest in Your Career. Connect with Your Peers.

Take the next step toward the training, connections, and resources available through WCPA membership.

Start Your Membership Application →