The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is a professional association for police leaders around the world. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the IACP aims to advance policing practices through advocacy, research, outreach, and education. This article will provide an overview of the IACP, including its history, mission, membership, conferences, initiatives, publications, partnerships, and criticisms.
History
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) was founded in May 1893 by 47 chiefs of police. It was originally established under the name National Chiefs of Police Union as an advocacy and networking organization for police chiefs in the United States. At the time, there was no national organization to allow police chiefs to exchange ideas, collaborate on policies, and unite on matters of national importance (About IACP; International Association of Chiefs of Police).
The organization’s founding mission was to advance the science and art of police administration and crime prevention. It aimed to secure honourable cooperation and affiliation between police administrators and to cultivate neighborly esteem and sympathy between police officers and citizens. The group adopted its current name in 1915 (Governance).
Mission and Goals
The IACP outlines its mission statement as follows: “Advancing professional police services, promoting enhanced administrative, technical, and operational police practices through research and training, and accrediting police agencies that demonstrate compliance with established standards” (About IACP).
The key goals and objectives of the IACP are to provide leadership, professional development, and advocacy for law enforcement executives. This includes establishing standards, conducting research, and facilitating police training and education. The IACP aims to advance the policing profession and provide support to help police leaders effectively manage their agencies and personnel (Agency Mission, Vision, and Values).
Some of the core values highlighted in the IACP’s mission statement include integrity, fairness, compassion, and respect for human dignity and diversity. The organization strives to uphold high ethical standards and promote policies that improve community relations and policing practices.
Membership
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has over 33,000 members spanning over 170 countries. Membership is open to all law enforcement personnel and those affiliated with the law enforcement profession, including police chiefs, officers, and other leaders (Membership Criteria).
Some key facts about IACP’s membership base:
- The majority of members come from the United States and Canada, but there is growing international membership, especially in Europe.
- Membership includes frontline officers, middle management, police executives, and other law enforcement-affiliated professionals.
- Women make up around 12% of IACP’s membership.
- There are special membership categories for retirees and dogs in law enforcement work.
Dues range from $75 for active law enforcement professionals to $35 for retirees (Membership). Membership provides access to training, conferences, publications, leadership opportunities, and other resources aimed at advancing the policing profession.
Conferences
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) hosts several major conferences each year that bring together law enforcement leadership and industry experts from around the world. The biggest IACP conference is their annual conference and exposition held each fall.
According to the IACP website, the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition is “the largest and most important law enforcement event of the year” [1]. The multi-day event includes general sessions, breakout sessions, and exhibits covering the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in policing. Thousands of participants attend, including Chiefs of Police, command-level law enforcement executives, and representatives from federal agencies and the private sector.
Other notable IACP conferences include the Midyear Conference, the Technology Conference, the Youth, Law Enforcement & Community Careers Summit, and various regional conferences. These events enable law enforcement leaders to learn, network, and exchange strategies for addressing key issues impacting communities and the policing profession.
Initiatives
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has launched various major initiatives and campaigns to promote law enforcement best practices. Some of their key programs include:
The IACP’s Alzheimer’s Initiatives aim to help police officers better respond to community members living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Initiatives include training programs to teach officers how to identify signs of Alzheimer’s and interact with individuals sensitively. The IACP also provides guidelines on implementing dementia-capable protocols in police departments (IACP – Alzheimer’s Initiatives).
Through the IACP’s traffic safety initiatives, the organization provides guidance and resources to help law enforcement reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Key programs focus on strategies to curb distracted and impaired driving, enforce speed limits, and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety (IACP Traffic Safety Initiatives).
The IACP’s leadership development programs offer training, mentorship and other resources to cultivate strong police leaders. Initiatives like the Leadership in Police Organizations program give law enforcement executives strategies for effective, ethical leadership.
Publications
The IACP publishes several reports, magazines, and journals focused on law enforcement leadership, operations, and community outreach. The IACP’s official magazine is the monthly Police Chief Magazine, which provides insight, analysis, and solutions for law enforcement executives across the country. Other key publications include:
- IACP’s Leadership series, which covers topics like succession planning, recruitment, and organizational change.
- Operational guides and training manuals on high-priority issues like de-escalation, implicit bias, and police legitimacy.
- Reports from IACP task forces and committees on emerging challenges, best practices, and national standards.
These publications allow IACP members to stay current on trends and innovations in 21st century policing. They also disseminate key findings and recommendations to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Through its publications, the IACP strives to advance professionalism, enhance service delivery, and strengthen community trust.
Partnerships
The IACP partners with many other law enforcement organizations and agencies to advance policing and public safety. Some key partnerships include:
The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) – The IACP collaborates with the MCCA, an organization of police executives representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada, on initiatives like the National Policy Summit and joint statements on key law enforcement issues.
The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) – IACP and NOBLE, an organization representing minority law enforcement executives, work together on diversity recruitment and inclusion efforts in policing.
Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) – IACP and PERF, a police research and policy organization, partner on police executive training programs and national standards and best practices.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) – The BJA, a component of the US Department of Justice, provides grant funding and support for many IACP programs related to officer safety, use of force, and community policing.
The IACP also partners with state and local law enforcement associations and academies to provide training, model policies, and support around the country.
Criticism
The IACP has faced criticism over the years for some of its positions and actions. Some of the major controversies include:
The IACP has advocated for policies like civil asset forfeiture and opposed reforms, drawing criticism from civil liberties groups like the ACLU and Cato Institute. They argue these policies infringe on citizens’ rights and due process (https://www.cato.org/blog/rebutting-iacps-spurious-defense-qualified-immunity).
The IACP opposed banning no-knock warrants following the death of Breonna Taylor. This led to accusations that the organization is out of touch with calls for policing reform after 2020’s racial justice protests (https://www.theiacp.org/critical-issues).
Some critics argue the IACP perpetuates a culture of secrecy around misconduct allegations and protects officers from accountability, though the IACP says it supports transparency and reform (https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/IACP-Reviews-E231344.htm).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the International Association of Chiefs of Police has had a major impact on law enforcement practices and policies over the past century. As the world’s largest association for police leaders, the IACP serves as a critical forum for collaboration, education, advocacy and innovation within the policing profession. Through its diverse membership, annual conferences, publications, and partnerships, the IACP has helped advance key reforms, develop model policies, and spread best practices on vital issues like use of force, community policing, officer safety and wellness, and public trust. While not without criticism at times, the IACP has arguably done more to shape modern policing than any other organization. Its efforts to address emerging challenges, enhance police leadership, and connect top cops across the globe make the IACP an indispensable institution for driving progress in law enforcement locally, nationally and internationally. Though policing remains an imperfect institution with ample room for improvement, the IACP has undeniably played an integral role in helping to advance policing policies, practices and accountability over the past 126 years.