In September of 1976, NOBLE was founded during a three day symposium to address crime in urban low income areas.  The symposium was coordinated by the Joint Center for Political Studies (JCPS) and co-sponsored by the Police Foundation and the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA).  Views were exchanged about the high rate of crime in black urban communities and the socioeconomic conditions that lead to crime and violence.  Questions were raised about relevant issues such as fairness in the administration of justice, police community relations, the hiring and promotion of black police officers, and the unique problems of the black police executive.

This unprecedented event was held in Washington D.C. and attended by 60 top-ranking black law enforcement executives representing 24 states and 55 major cities.