From the President: 

Today, the IACP is a recognized leader in global policing; known for its commitment to shaping the future of the policing profession. But it wouldn’t be where it is today without its members. It is the strength spirit of the membership as well as their dedication and sacrifice to the profession that has helped this organization endure for the last 125 years. When the first meeting of the International Association of Chiefs of Police took place in May 1893, with the goal of forming a national police organization, only 51 chiefs attended. It was noted by one of the attendees “that there is no sort of cooperation between the municipal police departments,” and that the lack of participation was due to the great mistrust and rivalry amongst the police departments at the time.

After that meeting, the founding members determined that it was important to break down those barriers and create an organization that would bring the policing profession together. Over the course of the following 125 years, the IACP has developed and fostered that spirit of cooperation. With 30,000 members in 150 countries, the IACP has been with its members through every success and challenge that the profession has faced.

As IACP President, it is my honor to be the head of such a prestigious organization and I want to take a moment to thank you for being a member. Please join the IACP in 2018 for a year of reflection and celebration of the last 125 years, and help us prepare for the future of the policing profession.

Louis M. Dekmar 

IACP President