Timeline
In operation since 1893, the association has a proud history of service and achievement.
1893 Police chiefs from all parts of
the country assemble in Chicago to form the National Chiefs of
Police Union, primarily to apprehend and return wanted persons
who flee local jurisdictions.
1897 The National Bureau of Criminal Identification becomes
operational among association members.
1904 Fingerprint identification is encouraged through exhibits
at the St. Louis World's Fair and in member communities.
1922 Work begins on a uniform crime records reporting system.
1924 IACP criminal identification files are used to create
an FBI Identification Division.
1930 IACP's uniform crime records system is turned over to the FBI.
1934 The IACP and the FBI establish the FBI National Academy
for state and local police. Publication of the Police Chiefs Newsletter
begins; this publication is the forerunner of the Police Chief
magazine, which continues today as the "professional voice
of law enforcement." The IACP is recognized as a source of
factual information for legislators, with 12 laws enacted by the
U.S. Congress containing IACP recommendations.
1935 Field consulting services are initiated to assist
local police departments.
1940 A headquarters office is established in Washington,
D.C., in order to create more organizational stability and to
expand activities and services for members. This move also permits
the association to begin a long period of cooperation with governments
of the world that continues to this day.
1942 Wartime mobilization plans by the IACP provide guidelines
for handling planned disorders, sabotage and movement of troops
and material in truck convoys.
1955 The IACP provides police training for the International
Cooperation Administration, developing the International Police
Academy.
1960 Minimum training standards for all law enforcement
officers are developed by the IACP and urged upon state governments.
To assist in meeting these standards, IACP develops training materials.
1970s Worldwide training programs are established. A comprehensive
testing program for police equipment is initiated. Police management
studies are conducted around the world. The IACP Police Assessment
Center is established. The United Nations confers consultative
status on the association, recognizing IACP work performed in
several member nations. A national bomb data center is established
by the IACP, and is subsequently turned over to the FBI.
1980s The IACP opens its first World Regional Division
in Europe. The IACP conducts International Policing Executive
Seminars in Europe and Asia. The IACP and the Bureau of Justice
Assistance establish a National Law Enforcement Policy Center.
Along with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement
Executives, the National Sheriffs' Association and the Police
Executive Research Forum, the IACP helps establish the Commission
on Law Enforcement Accreditation.
1990s IACP efforts focus attention on international narcotics
trafficking, drunk driving, police use of force, civil disorder
and criminal aliens. A priority for the association is assisting
departments in implementing community policing in their jurisdictions.
The IACP assists departments in implementing a host
of programs such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, less-than-lethal
weapons training and contemporary management techniques. The IACP
purchases a new headquarters building in Alexandria, Virginia.
Highly successful summits
on violent crimes and homicides are conducted by IACP; the results
receive national visibility. The IACP celebrates its centennial