The New Haven Guardians

Advancing the Profession.

Strengthening our Communities.

Unity. Excellence.

The New Haven Guardians promotes career development, specialized training, leadership education, and community engagement to strengthen the law enforcement profession and the communities we serve.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Investing in People.

Building Leaders.

We believe that strengthening the law enforcement profession begins with investing in its people.

The New Haven Guardians promotes career development, leadership education, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities for law enforcement personnel at all ranks.

From frontline officers to supervisors, command staff, and executive leadership, we support continuous learning and the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving demands of modern policing.

Our goal is to help professionals advance their careers, strengthen their capabilities, and prepare for greater responsibility and leadership.

COMMUNITY POLICING & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Stronger Communities.

Brighter Futures.

Effective policing extends beyond enforcement. It requires communication, trust, education, and meaningful relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The New Haven Guardians creates opportunities for officers and community members to connect through outreach initiatives, public education, youth programs, and community-based activities.

Through these efforts, we seek to strengthen relationships, encourage constructive dialogue, and promote a better understanding between law enforcement and the people we serve.

Building Trust. Creating Connections. Strengthening Communities.

140+

Conference Attendees

A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT

2026 NABLEO Conference: Policing with Precision and Purpose

Education and Training Conference

The New Haven Guardians proudly hosted the 2026 National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO) Education and Training Conference, October 21–23, 2026, at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale.

Marking the most successful series of events undertaken by The New Haven Guardians to date, the conference stood among the largest conferences NABLEO has experienced.

With more than 140 attendees, the conference brought together law enforcement professionals from across the United States and Canada for career development, job-related training, leadership education, specialized workshops, community engagement, and professional networking.

The conference represented a significant milestone for our organization and demonstrated our commitment to advancing the law enforcement profession through education, collaboration, and professional excellence.

13

Awardees (Including 2 Scholarships)

3

Days of Training, Networking, and Engagement

Four Events. One Impactful Week.

Community. Connection. Recognition. Training.

The 2026 NABLEO Conference featured a series of events designed to strengthen community relationships, encourage professional networking, recognize achievement, and advance the law enforcement profession.

SWAP and STOP

October 21, 2026

We kicked off the week with Swap and Stop, creating opportunities for residents and law enforcement officers to connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and build stronger community relationships.

The 80 Proof Mixer

October 21, 2026

The 80 Proof Mixer brought attendees together for an evening of networking, fellowship, and professional connection, strengthening relationships among law enforcement professionals and participating guests.

Scholarship and Awards Dinner

October 22, 2026

The evening celebrated excellence, leadership, and public service, honoring 13 award recipients, including two scholarship recipients, and recognizing the importance of investing in future generations.

2026 NABLEO Conference: Hosted by The New Haven Guardians

October 21–23, 2026

Three days of career development, job-related training, leadership education, and workshops for law enforcement professionals across all ranks, covering critical issues facing the profession.

NATIONAL REACH & PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

United by a Common Purpose.

The 2026 NABLEO Education and Training Conference welcomed more than 140 attendees, including law enforcement professionals from across the United States and Canada.

Participants represented locations including California and Missouri, alongside Guardians chapters from across Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Hartford, as well as representatives from additional counties and states.

The conference also welcomed distinguished leaders in government and law enforcement, including New Haven Police Chief David Zanelli, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Connecticut Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, and Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro.

Their attendance highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, government, and community leadership in advancing public safety, professional development, and effective public service.

The gathering demonstrated the value of bringing professionals together across jurisdictions to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and invest in the future of law enforcement.

Upcoming Events

Invest in your communities, and the people who serve it.

Contact Us

We’re here to support our community and strengthen the work we do every day. If you have questions, want to get involved, or need assistance, reach out below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.