How to Travel the IPA Way

One of the many advantages of the IPA is the availability of expert assistance in foreign countries, often at a greatly reduced cost or sometimes, at no cost at all. Along with the foreign travel comes the opportunity to meet police officers in other countries, through which we can attain ideas which may enhance our own capabilities as law enforcement officers at home. We must all try to widen our horizons. Likewise, officers from foreign countries are enthusiastic in learning how we do things.

Many of us in the IPA have attained lifelong friendships with IPA people abroad. It's well worth a little effort. In order to attain this and stick to the IPA credo of Servo per Amikeco or Service Through Friendship, it's important to take the proper steps when you plan on traveling to foreign countries and wish the assistance from those IPA Sections

Within the U.S. Section, Associate Secretaries are appointed by the National Board to be the IPA liaison for each member country. Each Associate Secretary takes care of the travel requests to his or her nation of responsibility. Certain procedures have been established which must be adhered to for two primary purposes. One is to ensure a successful contact and trip for our members and proof of membership. Secondly, we need to have a system of controls and balances in the event something goes wrong.

When you travel abroad and enlist the services of the IPA in the host nation, you'll need to keep in mind that, in essence, you are a goodwill ambassador representing not only the United States Section of the IPA, but also your home Region and American law enforcement as well as the USA. Take pride in your role as a member of law enforcement, whether active or retired.

When you wish to travel to another IPA country you MUST follow the IPA Travel Procedures.