About the IPA

The IPA is a non-profit, worldwide fraternal organization whose membership consists solely of active and retired law enforcement personnel. Our organization is not connected with or influenced by any union, police or governmental agency or any outside interests. The association promotes global and cultural friendship among peace officers. Since this is an international organization, one of the major advantages relates to travel. The emphasis of the organization is friendship. There is an annual national, and an annual international convention.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The International Police Association was formed in January 1, 1950, because a police sergeant from Lincolnshire, England, Arthur Troop, wanted to create a channel for friendship and international co-operation among police officers. His notion of an Association with development of social, cultural and professional links among its members, in an environment free from discrimination of rank, sex, race, color, language or religion, became a reality, to promote friendship among Police Officers (Nationally and Internationally) on a proper organized basis.

The United States Section was formed on February 26, 1962 in Toledo, Ohio, totaling 30 members and the Section was officially recognized in Geneva Switzerland at the IEC on June 1962. The United States Section now has 59 Regions totaling approximately 10,000 members.

The Esperanto Motto of the Association is SERVO PER AMIKECO which means "SERVICE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP".

All officers serve in their spare time and receive no compensation of any kind to do so. OUR BY-LAWS FORBID ANY PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS, UNIONISM OR DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS AND ANY DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, SEX OR RELIGION IS FORBIDDEN. Any qualified law enforcement officer from a recognized federal, state or local agency active or retired is welcome.

Members are encouraged to host visitors in their homes, and to act as tour guides to visitors. While not a requisite for membership, such interaction provides the greatest benefits of membership.