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From the Desk of the Interim

Executive Director

Erwin Ballarta

Greetings,

Texas Police Association’s objective is to keep Texas Communities Safe. By offering training courses that
improve the individual officer, the objectives of the law enforcement agency will be fulfilled. Having
competent officers comes from promoting professional and ethical values. It also comes from mentoring
and growing officers to take up leadership role. Through many leadership programs that we offer, officers
will understand that leadership is at all levels.

Law Enforcement Officers are unique. Many have opportunities to serve in the private sector, but they
chose to serve the community they live in. I believe they have a selfless character by choosing to serve.
They understand that they may be hurt or even killed. When they prepare for their shift they put on that
uniform and badge without hesitation. They swore to protect the Constitution, the rule of law, and the
citizens of Texas. As a former Big Spring Police Officer and a retired Texas Department of Public Safety
Lieutenant, I greatly appreciate all our LEO brothers and sisters that are serving now. I still remember the
missed birthdays, missed time with my children, different duties and shifts, and missed holidays with my
family. Due to the low pay, many officers look for part time work opportunities. I have all the time now
that I am retired, but my children are grown up now. So, I would like to say how much I appreciate our
young men and women that chose to serve in the law enforcement profession. They too will have many
sacrifices ahead. I ask for your continued prayers for each of them.

Many have asked me why I chose the position as the Executive Director for the Texas Police Association
again. I chose this role in order to serve. I am here for all our members and those that are not. I am here
to serve and do my part to make our profession better. I understand my weaknesses and I understand we
cannot succeed alone. Our success comes from the many that continue to take ownership of TPA and
value the team. I am grateful and honored to serve with our president, board members, regional
directors, committee members, consultants, and TPA members to work for the common goal of
professional law enforcement officers and keep Texas safe.

The Texas Police Association held a 10-hour seminar on the "Public Information Act" at the Double Tree
Hotel in Austin on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 28 – 29, 2018. This course is designed for law
enforcement personnel, government attorneys and government staff responsible for receiving and
processing Open Records/Public Information Requests. The course included legislation enacted by the
85th Texas Legislature and most current Case Law, Attorney General decisions and their application.
Thank you to Attorney John West for your instruction and continued support of TPA.

4 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • 866-997-8282 Texas Police Journal