In 1975, seven forward-thinking Phoenix Police Officers decided that they wanted to make changes in the Phoenix Police Department and in doing so, put their careers on the line to make those changes. Those seven officers decided they needed a new organization that would be totally focused on making those changes and that organization would replace the Fraternal Order of Police in representing the
street cop. The organization, incorporated later that year, was known as the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, PLEA, and after an election, became the certified bargaining unit for Phoenix Police Officers and Detectives. The first Board of Directors was elected in January, 1976 and eventually after sergeants broke away to form their own bargaining unit, PLEA remained the certified bargaining unit for rank and file Phoenix Police Officers and Detectives.
