Want to learn more about the leaders of PORAC? In this series of profiles, we turn the spotlight on the dedicated directors who help to govern and represent the organization in the service of our members.
Lieutenant Alan Kuboyama brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience as a newly sworn-in PORAC director. Over his 18 years with the Alameda Police Department, Kuboyama has consistently demonstrated leadership, both within his department and through his active involvement over the past four years with the Alameda Police Managers Association. He also served as a board member and president of the Alameda Police Officers Association for 11 years.
Kuboyama’s journey with PORAC began in 2007, when he recognized the value of being part of a statewide organization focused on representing law enforcement officers.
“I started attending Bay Area Chapter meetings in 2013 to learn about PORAC’s role in representing law enforcement officers and attended my first PORAC Conference in November 2013, when it was held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live,” he shares.
These opportunities allowed Kuboyama to see firsthand the commitment and dedication Association leaders had for serving members. “This encouraged me to attend other events, like the Labor Symposiums and the PORAC Institute courses,” he says.
Kuboyama’s leadership journey began when he joined the Alameda POA board in January 2010 before taking over as the president in January 2014, where he served until December 2020.
“I also served as the labor contract negotiator for the sworn and non-sworn groups of the Alameda Police Officers Association since 2010 and continue to serve in this capacity as a member of the Alameda Police Managers Association,” he notes.
Kuboyama joined the Bay Area Chapter board in February 2020 and will finish his term at the end of the year. “I look forward to seeing other Association leaders serve on the Bay Area Chapter board!” he says.
Kuboyama recently took his PORAC leadership to a new level when he was sworn in as a director at the August Board of Directors meeting. “My goal is to support PORAC’s efforts to promote the benefits of membership by attending local association meetings and listening to members so PORAC can better represent law enforcement officers,” he says. “I also want to support PORAC’s mission at the Bay Area Chapter and serve as the voice of the local associations within the chapter.”
When it comes to challenges Kuboyama might face as a PORAC director, the Los Angeles native expects a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the needs of the broader PORAC membership. “I will conduct outreach to the associations within the chapter and listen to the members,” he says. “I will also focus on understanding the climate in their communities so we can protect and advance the needs of law enforcement officers.”
One of the biggest lessons Kuboyama has learned during his time with PORAC came when he was selected by PORAC to testify before the California Senate Public Safety Committee on the Kenneth Ross Jr. Police Decertification Act of 2021 (SB 2). “This experience demonstrated that having a voice at the table matters,” he explains.
One of the most satisfying moments for him came when he was able to help his local association become more involved with PORAC. “We now have members who attend chapter meetings, the annual Conference and various training courses,” he says. “Having my colleagues see the value in supporting PORAC has made me proud.”
For members looking to become involved in PORAC leadership, Kuboyama says the first step is attending chapter meetings and networking with neighbors. “Use these relationships to bounce off ideas on how you can better represent your members,” he says. “The law enforcement culture is one of a kind, so it’s important to have cops serve as the backbone of PORAC. The experiences we have faced in our careers have given us an important perspective, especially when it comes to public safety–related legislative matters. Being involved in PORAC ensures our voice is heard.”