In the mid 1980’s, officers from the Illinois State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chicago Police, Cook County Sheriff met to discuss ways to improve the diversity within their agencies as well as partnering to improve community relations. After several meetings, the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association (HISLEA) was formally established in 1987 as a not-for-profit organization.

Founding members felt the importance of supporting law enforcement officers from local, county, state, and federal agencies. Primary missions were to increase diversity among agency senior leadership positions in order to better reflect the growing Hispanic population and to provide a statewide perspective and definitive voice on issues facing Hispanics in law enforcement. Utilizing media outlets such as television, radio, and news publications, HISLEA publicly advocates policies and programs that promote the hiring, appointment, and advancement of Hispanics at all levels in the criminal justice system.

Members meet to support agencies with recruitment, community involvement with back to school events, food drives, toy drives, scholarships, and awards. Since its inception, HISLEA has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and assistance to community organizations.