On January 1, 2018, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) will change its name to the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA).

The Association says that the new moniker, which was announced at ALEA EXPO 2017, is the result of various changes that have occurred over the last seven years, and will be “more reflective of the entirety of those involved in public safety aviation,” as well as more appealing to potential members the Association hopes to attract.

While the Association’s name will change, its mission will remain the same, as it seeks to “support, promote and advance the safe and effective utilization of aircraft by governmental agencies in support of public safety missions through training, networking, advocacy and educational programs.”

“Public safety aviation has expanded beyond just law enforcement and it was time to outwardly become more inclusive of all who operate governmental aircraft for the welfare of the general public,” says ALEA CEO & Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach.

ALEA will also reorganize the Association’s business structure, as APSA has been incorporated as a 501(c)(6), giving the Association “greater latitude than the current 501(c)(3) in the products, programs and services they can offer their members.”

In regards to that change, Schwarzbach says, “we have been restricted by the IRS (c)(3) designation in providing many of the programs and services that our members desire and expect, and this change will allow us to be more responsive to their needs.”  

Schwarzbach adds, “membership is our lifeblood and we want to position ourselves to meet their expectations.”