The Detectives Endowment Association (DEA) of the Police Department of the City of New York was organized in February, 1917. It was certified for collective bargaining on August 7, 1963.
Among its activities, the DEA unsuccessfully opposed efforts by the police department to institute "specialization". From 1972 through 1978, precinct squads were supplanted by specialized squads for robbery, homicide, etc. The DEA formerly belonged to the health and welfare plans run first by the Superior Officers Committee, then by the Police Benevolent Association. It pulled out of the PBA plan in 1979 and now operates its own plan. The DEA negotiates with the Uniformed Forces Coalition, a coalition of police and fire unions in New York City. Membership currently (1985) stands at 2,900 active members.
From the description of Records, 1921-1985. 1975-1985 (bulk). (New York University). WorldCat record id: 477249461
