To encourage and stimulate a study of the public service and the maintenance of law and order. Such activity is encouraged through social, cultural, and allied activities.

To arrange exchange, rest and recreational programs, communication, friendships, and study group visits.

To establish an educational program to meet the needs of the members through study outlines in approved law enforcement subjects.

The Association is controlled in each member country by a National Executive Council, which in turn is answerable to an International Executive Council, on which serve properly elected delegates representing such countries.

Members are entitled to wear the badge of the Association and are automatically placed in the Region governing the area in which they serve (members may have the option of joining the region in which they reside) and have full voting rights at regional meetings together with the right to speak and vote at Annual Open Meetings.

Membership now covers most countries of the free world and is steadily rising. It includes all ranks, from Officers to Chiefs and Commissioners of Police. Activities of the Association are in no way concerned with service matters for which purposes there are other bodies. Furthermore, the Association is a private organization which is not officially sponsored nor controlled. All the work of the Association is carried out by its officers in off duty time and without remuneration.

The I.P.A. is an organization based strictly on idealism and friendship. Its uniqueness is demonstrated by never creating a rank conscious atmosphere among its members.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERS:
New members receive a lapel pin, as well as a blue linen passport, upon which to affix a passport type photo. Each year upon paying annual dues a current dues stamp is issued to affix to the blue linen passport. This small blue linen passport is recognized world wide as official membership identification. If kept inside ones U.S.A. passport, it usually earns a friendly smile when traveling, and sometimes more.

Each member receives a copy of the quarterly National Reporter, and  copies of their respective Region newsletter.

Every effort is made to put members who desire so in contact with members of the police profession in I.P.A. member countries which includes participating in an exchange vacation program, either individually or as a member of a party. In many cases the exchange may give you the opportunity to stay in the home of a police officer in the country selected, and during visits abroad, members will have the opportunity of studying methods of policing in other countries, which members are able to engage in professional police relations throughout the world.