About CSLEA

The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association represents more than 7,000 public safety professionals within our 19 affiliate groups — dedicated, highly trained state workers who make up California’s safety net.

Like local police officers and sheriffs’ deputies, CSLEA members are peace officers and regulators whose primary goal is maintaining and improving the safety and well-being of all Californians.

We close down illegal drug labs and analyze DNA evidence to put child molesters, murderers and sex offenders behind bars.

We answer emergency 911 calls and pull tired swimmers from the surf.

We find lost hikers, investigate arson, bombings, investigate elder abuse and guard against consumer rip-offs.

We fight tax fraud ,welfare cheats, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

We patrol the skies and California parks, protecting people, wildlife and the environment.

We’re the first to respond to fires, floods, riots and earthquakes. When there’s danger, we’re the first ones on the scene.

We’re the unsung and often unseen guardians of public safety, protecting the people of California every hour, every day.

A History of Commitment

Originally called the California Union of Safety Employees, The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association was formed to protect the unique interests of Law Enforcement and Public Safety Unit employees — who were granted collective bargaining rights by the Public Employment Retirement Board (PERB) in 1981.

• Unit 7 employees overwhelmingly elected CAUSE as their collective bargaining representative in 1981.
• We now represent over 180 state job classifications, with members in almost every department of state service, including peace officers and those who regulate, protect, investigate and provide support services.
• Our diverse membership and rare commitment to protecting and enhancing the rights of all its members sets us apart from every other labor organization in the state.