The International Police Association is an independent body made up of members of the police service, whether on active duty or retired, and without distinction as to rank, sex, race, colour, language or religion. Its purpose is to create bonds of friendship and to promote international co-operation.

Membership presently exceeds 372,000 from 68 countries on 6 continents and includes all ranks. Each member country is controlled by National Council, which in turn is answerable to the International Executive Council Countries are divided into Regions for administrative purposes.

It is committed to the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as adopted by the United Nations in 1948 and recognises that any form of torture is absolutely inconsistent with these principles. It's aims include the development of cultural relations amongst it's members, a broadening of their general knowledge and an exchange of professional experience. In addition, it seeks to foster mutual help in the social sphere and to contribute, within the limits of it's possibilities, to the peaceful co-existence of different peoples and to the preservation of world peace.

In New Zealand there are six regions based on a combination of NZ Police boundaries. Each has an elected committee and a nominated representative who serves on the National Council. Local events organised by these committee's are just one of the benefits of belonging to the IPA.

The purpose of our organisation is strictly cultural, social and recreational. At no time does the IPA take part in any matter of departmental policy, discipline or unionism.

In 1986 the need for full time staff and a permanent administrative centre was identified, followed in 1987 by the establishment of a permanent centre in England at the headquarters of the British Section. This headquarters is located in Nottingham opposite the Trent Bridge cricket ground.

There is no permanent headquarters in New Zealand. Officers who serve on the National Executive are elected every three years, with all administrative matters being handled by the Secretary-General.

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• The Association undertakes to encourage personal contacts by organising exchange visits of individuals and groups, arranging group holidays and initiating pen-friendships
  
  
• To promote among the police services of all the member Sections respect for law and order
  
  
• To develop social and cultural activities and to encourage the exchange of professional experiences
  
  
• To enhance the image of the police in the countries of it's member Sections and to help improve relations between the police and the general public
  
  
• To foster youth exchanges and international youth meetings with a view to promoting greater tolerance and understanding between people, and understanding for the work of the police
  
  
• To facilitate a regular exchange of publications between the National Sections and to provide an information service for the National IPA publications containing news on all subjects of relevance to the Association
  
  
• To promote international publications, and to help with the preparation of a bibliography of police works and, wherever possible, of all works connected with the law or legal matters
  
  
• To facilitate international co-operation through friendly contacts between police officers of all continents and to contribute to a mutual understanding of professional problems