CPCA Policies

Event Policies

Registration Fee Policy

Registration fees must be paid in full 30 days after you purchase, or your registration will be canceled for non-payment. If you are registering for an event within 30 days prior to the event you must pay the registration fee in full at the time of registration.

Cancellation Policy

1. Cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Izze Uvalle.
2. Cancellations received within 48 hours of registration will receive a full refund.
3. Cancellations received at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the event will be subject to a 15% administrative fee.
4. Cancellations received 59 to 30 days before the event will be subject to a 25% administrative fee.
5. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the event will not receive a refund and will therefore forfeit their registration fee.

No-shows forfeit their full registration fee.
 
Transfers and Substitutions

Some of our courses are offered multiple times throughout the year. If you are registered for one of these courses, you may request to transfer your registration to an alternate session date, subject to availability and provided the new date falls within the same fiscal year. All transfer requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the course start date.
 
If you are unable to attend an event, you may opt to send another representative from your department in your place. This is considered a substitution. Substitution requests are generally accepted if submitted at least 14 days in advance of the event. In many cases, onsite substitutions may also be accommodated.

*Please refer to the individual event page (Technology Conference 2026 and Rise 2026) for the most accurate information.

**These policies are subject to change at CPCA's discretion.
 
***In the event of a genuine emergency that prevents you from adhering to our standard cancellation policy, we kindly request that you provide an explanation of the emergency. This helps us assess the situation and consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. We value your transparency and will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.

Education Course and Summit Eligibility Policy

To be eligible to attend, registrants must be currently employed by a law enforcement agency at the time of registration and attendance. Registration by representatives of private companies, consultants, and independent businesses is limited to approved sponsors, exhibitors, or other authorized participants. 

CPCA reserves the right to verify eligibility and deny or cancel registrations that do not meet this requirement. 

Conference Eligibility Policy

CPCA conferences are designed for current and retired law enforcement professionals and other individuals whose professional responsibilities align with the purpose of the event. Registration by representatives of private companies, consultants, and independent businesses is limited to approved sponsors, exhibitors, or other authorized participants.

CPCA reserves the right to verify eligibility and deny or cancel registrations that do not meet this requirement. 

Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker

Registration Fee Policy

Registration fees must be paid in full 60 days after registration, or your registration will be canceled for non-payment. If you are registering for the Executive Leadership Institute within 90 days prior to the event start date, you must pay the registration fee in full at the time of registration.

Cancellation Policy

1. Cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Izze Uvalle.
2. A nonrefundable $1,000 deposit will be due at the time of registration. 
3. Cancellations received at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the event will be subject to a 15% administrative fee.
4. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to the event will not receive a refund and will therefore forfeit their registration fee.

   No-shows forfeit their full registration fee.

*In the event of a genuine emergency that prevents you from adhering to our standard cancellation policy, we kindly request that you provide an explanation of the emergency. This helps us assess the situation and consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. We value your transparency and will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.

Transfers and Substitutions 
Substitution requests are generally accepted if submitted at least 90 days in advance of ELI. If you are unable to find a substitute prior to 90 days in advance of ELI, your registration fee will be forfeited. 

Transfers are not accepted.

Onsite substitutions may NOT be accommodated.

Virtual Trainings

Registration Fee Policy

Registration fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Cancellation Policy

1. Cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Izze Uvalle.
2. Cancellations received at least 7 days prior to the beginning of the virtual training will receive a full refund. 
3. Cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the virtual training will not receive a refund and will therefore forfeit their registration fee. 
4.  No-shows forfeit full registration fee. Fees are NOT transferable for virtual trainings.

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Media Release

Occasionally our events and trainings (in person or virtual) may be photographed by staff or a professional photographer. By registering for an event and agreeing to the terms and conditions, attendees give unconditional permission to CPCA to use their photographic/filmed image for the purposes of promoting, publicizing and advertising CPCA. Images taken will remain the property of CPCA and may be used in its publications, website, and other publicity material. Those wishing to opt out of this media release must notify CPCA in writing by emailing CPCA prior to any event they are registered for.

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Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets the standard of conduct expected of CPCA members and participants at CPCA Functions and its related online spaces. Adherence to this Code is a condition of CPCA membership and participation. Participation and continued membership are contingent upon acceptance of and compliance with this Code.

I. PREFACE

This Code of Conduct sets the standard of conduct expected of all CPCA members and participants, both in-person and virtual. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Participants” shall refer to attendees, committee members, volunteers, presenters, guests, or invitees and anyone involved in the participation, facilitation or representation of any CPCA function. The term “Members” refers to all individuals holding membership in CPCA, regardless of event participation. The term "Function" shall refer to all meetings, conferences, events, gatherings or functions sponsored or organized in whole or in part by the CPCA or to which the attendee has been granted a license by the CPCA to attend.

It sets the expectation that all Members and Participants will actively work to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment and strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment.

Members acknowledge that, by virtue of their membership and leadership roles in law enforcement, their conduct may reflect upon CPCA. Accordingly, Members are expected to uphold this Code in their professional and public conduct, including conduct occurring outside of CPCA activities where there is a sufficient nexus to CPCA’s mission, operations, or reputation.

Participation in CPCA activities and continued membership is conditional upon acceptance of the Code of Conduct.

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it in any manner specified in Section IV.

 II. SCOPE

This Code of Conduct applies to all aspects of CPCA functions. This includes within virtual platforms, conference and training sessions, planning meetings, informal side meetings, social platforms, email discussions, and other related interactions.

This Code also applies, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to Member conduct occurring outside of CPCA-sponsored activities where such conduct has a direct and material impact on:

• CPCA’s mission, operations, or governance;
• The safety or ability of others to participate in CPCA activities; or
• The reputation or public credibility of CPCA or its members.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Members and Participants, including attendees, speakers, proposal authors, sponsors, committee members, scholarship recipients, volunteers, conference staff,  vendors, and all active CPCA members.

III. STANDARD OF CONDUCT

CPCA seeks to offer a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for learning and sharing, guided by the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These values can only thrive in an environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, and discriminatory behavior.

Members and Participants are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct consistent with their roles in law enforcement leadership and their affiliation with CPCA.

The standard of conduct is set forth below and is further defined in Section VI. Anyone asked to cease behavior in violation of this Code of Conduct is expected to comply immediately. Engaging in prohibited behavior is subject to enforcement action, which may include disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination of membership, removal from participation, or other sanctions described in Section V.

Behavior that is expected and encouraged:

• Be respectful, inclusive, and accepting of others. Actively seek to challenge your personal biases, assumptions, and preconceived stereotypes. Approach differences with openness and curiosity.
• Be conscious of how your words and actions might harm others (even unintentionally). Take time to educate yourself on how to be more inclusive, and listen when someone takes the time to educate you.
• Be aware of privilege and power dynamics. If you find you are talking or commenting a lot, consider stepping back to leave more space for others. If you share the work or ideas of others, give credit where it is due.
• Be considerate of privacy and personal boundaries. Give others a chance to “opt-in” to personal interactions, and respect limits when they are set.
• Be constructive in offering criticism, and be gracious in accepting it. Consider “calling in” rather than “calling out,” and direct critiques toward ideas rather than people.
• Be committed to maintaining a professional environment.
• If you are affiliated with a proprietary product or service, do not engage in advertising activities, except as explicitly permitted by a sponsor or vendor agreement.

Behavior that is strictly prohibited:

• Discrimination, including unfavorable or disparate treatment to others because of any aspect of their identity, appearance, or protected class.
• Harassment and harassing behavior, including use of epithets and slurs, derogatory or hostile comments, repeated attempts to make contact, or any behavior that interferes with another person’s participation in the conference.
• Sexual harassment, including use of sexual images, jokes of a sexual or gendered nature, or any unwelcome contact of a sexual nature in any medium. 

In addition, the following conduct constitutes a violation of this Code:

• Engaging in unlawful conduct, including conduct resulting in criminal charges or convictions, where such conduct has a demonstrable connection to CPCA’s mission, operations, or reputation;
• Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, or abuse of authority;
• Engaging in conduct that a reasonable person would determine is likely to bring material disrepute or reputational harm to CPCA or substantially undermine public trust in the law enforcement profession.

IV. REPORTING PROCESS

1. How To Report A Violation

Reports may be submitted in the following ways:

• Via an Online Form (which includes the option to submit anonymously).
• Email: cpca@californiapolicechiefs.org.
• Directly to any attending CPCA Team Member.

Reports may be submitted by:

• Individuals who have been harmed by a violation of this Code of Conduct.
• Witnesses to a violation of this Code of Conduct.
• Third parties in possession of information regarding a violation of this Code of Conduct.

Please view our Reporting Guidelines for a comprehensive description of the reporting process.

CPCA may also initiate a review based on credible information obtained from external sources, including but not limited to criminal proceedings, administrative or internal investigations, or substantiated public reports. The existence of an external investigation or proceeding shall not preclude CPCA from conducting its own review.

2. Confidentiality And Anonymity

Those submitting Code of Conduct reports may request confidentiality. CPCA takes confidentiality seriously and will protect confidentiality in the reporting process to every extent possible. Confidential information will be circulated to the minimum number of people necessary to process the report, and documentation will be handled with utmost sensitivity. 

Reports may be submitted anonymously. While anonymous reports will be taken seriously, reporting an incident anonymously or wishing not to disclose key details (e.g. the name of the person being reported) may inhibit CPCA’s ability to take enforcement action. 

3. Reports Regarding Function Officials

If a report is submitted regarding any member of the Board, Committee, Staff Representative, or other person involved in organizing the function, the person reported will not be allowed to view the report, participate in running the investigation, or access any of the records pertaining to the report.

V. ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONS

Engaging in harmful behavior has consequences. CPCA may impose sanctions depending on the severity, credibility, and substantiation of a violation.

Examples of potential actions by CPCA may include:

• Issuing a written or verbal warning.
• Removing comments, materials, or recordings with harmful content.
• Ending a presentation early.
• Removing a person’s volunteer or committee responsibilities.
• Expelling a person from the function.
• Blocking or reporting a person in online platforms (Facebook, Twitter, email lists, etc.)
• Imposing a ban on future participation.
• Reporting a person’s behavior to the appropriate authorities. 
• Suspension of membership for a defined period of time;
• Termination (revocation) of membership;
• Removal or restriction from leadership roles, committee assignments, or appointed positions;
• Restriction on future participation in CPCA activities or eligibility for leadership roles.
• Rescission of license or permission to attend a function

CPCA reserves the right, to the extent permitted by applicable law and its governing documents, to suspend or terminate membership for violations of this Code of Conduct, including for conduct occurring outside CPCA activities where a sufficient nexus exists to CPCA’s mission, operations, or reputation.

A person sanctioned for violating the Code of Conduct is expected to comply with the terms of the sanctions, and non-compliance may be grounds for further sanctions.

REVIEW AND DETERMINATION PROCESS

Allegations of violations of this Code of Conduct will be reviewed by the Executive Committee.

In matters that may result in suspension or termination of membership, CPCA will:

• Provide the Member with written notice of the alleged violation(s);
• Provide a reasonable opportunity to respond within 14 calendar days.
• Consider all reasonably available information, including any response provided by the Member.

Findings will be based on a good-faith determination using a preponderance of the evidence standard.

Final determinations will be made by the Executive Committee consistent with CPCA’s bylaws and applicable law.

Nothing in this process shall be construed to create a contractual right to membership, and CPCA retains discretion as a membership organization to act in the best interests of the organization, consistent with its governing documents and applicable law.

VI. DEFINITIONS OF PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

This section provides further definitions for what constitutes prohibited behavior under Section III.

1. DISCRIMINATION 

Discrimination occurs when a participant is denied equal opportunity and suffers unfavorable or disparate treatment because of that individual’s identity, which may include their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or other protected categories under the law.  

2. HARASSMENT AND HARASSING BEHAVIOR

Harassment is unwelcome conduct (whether physical, verbal, written, or via technology) that is based on a person’s identity or protected class, which may include their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or other protected categories under the law. Moreover, harassing behavior not based on any of the above discriminatory factors that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment also is unacceptable and subject to enforcement action under the Code of Conduct. Harassment and harassing behavior has the purpose or potential effect of interfering with an individual’s ability to participate in CPCA functions.

Some examples of harassment include (but are not limited to):

• Offensive comments related to a person’s identity or protected class
• Using epithets, slurs or stereotypes
• Mocking, ridiculing, or mimicking another’s culture, accent, appearance, or custom
• Deliberate intimidation, threats of violence, or incitement of violence (including encouraging self-harm)
• Stalking or following
• Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes
• Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease
• Publication of private information, including private communications (unless publication is necessary to protect oneself or others from intentional abuse) or deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent

3. SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual Harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual or gendered nature that interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in CPCA activities or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can include such behaviors as unwanted touching or unwelcome conduct (whether physical, verbal, written, or via technology) of a sexual or gendered nature.  

Some examples of sexual harassment include (but are not limited to):

• Unwelcome and repeated flirtations, propositions, advances, staring, or other sexual attention
• Unwelcome physical contact
• Use of sexually suggestive language, gestures, or sounds (including whistling)  
• Display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures
• Offensive, insulting, derogatory, or degrading remarks related to sex or gender
• Unwelcome comments about appearance
• Deliberate misgendering, including deadnaming (referring to someone who has changed their name by their previous name) and intentional use of pronouns that do not correspond to a person’s gender identity or specified preference
• Sexual jokes or use of sexually explicit or offensive language
• Gender- or sex-based pranks
• Demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable or preferential treatment

4. CONDUCT IMPACTING ORGANIZATIONAL INTEGRITY

Conduct impacting organizational integrity includes behavior, whether occurring within or outside CPCA activities, that has a direct and material impact on CPCA’s mission, operations, or reputation. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Criminal conduct or conduct resulting in formal charges that are relevant to a Member’s professional role;
• Serious ethical violations, including dishonesty or abuse of authority;
• Conduct that a reasonable person would conclude materially undermines public trust in CPCA or the law enforcement profession.

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Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy

The California Police Chiefs Association relies on the strong partnership of our exhibitors and sponsors to deliver meaningful, high-quality events. To protect the value of their investment and ensure a fair environment for all participants, CPCA enforces a strict policy against suitcasing and outboarding at all of our conferences, education courses, and summits.

What is Suitcasing and Outboarding?

Suitcasing refers to individuals or companies who attend as registrants (or without proper registration) and attempt to promote their products or services in public areas—such as aisles, lounges, or networking spaces—without securing an exhibit booth or sponsorship.

Outboarding occurs when non-exhibiting companies host competing events or meetings—such as hospitality suites, off-site dinners, or product demos—that are timed to overlap with official CPCA programming, and aimed at drawing attendees away from the event.

Examples Include (But Are Not Limited To):

• A company that is not exhibiting sets up a hospitality suite or dinner nearby and invites attendees to stop by.
• A representative walks the expo floor without a booth, soliciting business or handing out materials.
• A company promotes conference-adjacent activities or meetings using CPCA branding or referencing the event without participating officially.
• A vendor leverages another exhibitor’s investment to promote its own product or service without having a formal presence.

Enforcement & Consequences

Any attendee or company found engaging in suitcasing or outboarding activities will be:

• Immediately removed from the event without refund
• Prohibited from participating in future CPCA events
• Reported to the appropriate professional channels, if applicable

If activities are taking place at venues under CPCA contracts (such as partner hotels), we reserve the right to shut down those unauthorized functions.

Our Commitment

This policy exists to safeguard the integrity of CPCA events, protect our community, and honor the commitment of our valued exhibitors and sponsors. Their investment directly supports CPCA’s mission to lead, educate, and support California’s police chiefs and public safety leaders.We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a respectful, high-value experience for all participants.

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