World War II interrupted the growth of the TNPOA, causing membership to decline. "After the war, the organization revived under the leadership of Brown L. Brackens of San Antonio and increased its membership. [Brackens] opened the meetings to black citizens, promoted police work as a career for blacks, and involved the association in public service activities among black citizens" (Dulaney 2007, 344).

Detective Investigator Brown L. Brackens, president of the TNPOA, gives an address from the podium at the New Light Baptist Church. Seated behind him left to right are: Special Officer I.C. Collins, vice president of the San Antonio Chapter; Reverend P.S. Wilkinson, chaplain of the association and pastor at New Light Baptist; and Fire and Police Commissioner Preston L. Anderson. Seated behind Anderson is Fred Littlepage, San Antonio's captain of police.

Courtesy of San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation