History of the WPLF

Genesis of the WPLF

Prior to the mid-1980s the WCPA only had a summer conference. The emphasis of the conference was social, and the training was relatively insignificant compared to today’s conferences. The Dane County Chiefs’ Association decided to host a “Mid-Winter Training Conference” that was opened to all Wisconsin chiefs. It was held at the Sheridan on John Nolen Drive in Madison. The conference was a resounding success exceeding the capacity of the venue. In the words of the then Middleton Police Chief, Dave Steingraber, “It was a proof of concept.” The litmus test was the financial proof as the conference made a significant amount of money. However, they also realized the conference was too much for a County Chiefs’ Association to handle.

The Dane County Chiefs wisely determined the conference should be hosted by the WCPA. The concept was to de-emphasis the social aspect of the summer conference and focus on training. Not only was the social aspect curbed but vendors were not invited to the conference nor were there any business meetings.

Formation of the WPLF

In the early 1990s the leadership utilized the services of David Snow, Esq. of von Briesen and Purtell S.C. to draft articles of incorporation.  Bylaws were also drafted and on September 28, 1994 the Articles of Incorporation of the Wisconsin Police Leadership Foundation were filed with the State of Wisconsin.

The Move Toward Tax Exempt Status

The WCPA Mid-Winter Conference continued to be financially quite successful, building the reserves of the WCPA and assuring financial stability. However, the leadership recognized they were now paying considerable taxes on the event.  The WCPA explored becoming a charitable non-profit organization under IRS tax code 501(c)(3).  At that time one of the member benefits was a death benefit of $500.00 for Principal or Life Members.  (This program was discontinued in 1991.) Since that benefit directed funds directly to members the WCPA was considered a fraternal organization and precluded from becoming a tax-exempt organization. The WCPA also was in the business of lobbying, another reason it was not eligible for the tax-exempt status.

During that time there were also leaders that were concerned with how other law enforcement associations were funding their conferences and organizations. Aware of the perception of favoritism, they wished to keep gifts, donations and financial partnerships away from the members’ agencies.

Thus, the concept of a foundation to tax-shelter funds was borne.  The concept did not find consensus.  Many members of the leadership recognized the positive financial impact the conference had on the WCPA.  Eventually a decision was made to create the “Wisconsin Police Leadership Foundation.”

WPLF TODAY

The WPLF serves as the host for our Wisconsin chiefs' conferences. These conferences provide the vast majority of the WPLF's income.  Although much of the income is a pass through to cover costs of the conference, our 501(c)(3) tax free status helps keep our member registration costs low, making it affordable agencies across the state. 

The employees of the WCPA/WPLF are employees of the WPLF, but also work for the WCPA through a shared employment agreement. The WPLF also budgets for assisting non-profit organizations who share the mission of supporting law enforcement training and education.