Over the last 120 years, the IACP has served as a leader in the law enforcement profession, striving each day to provide law enforcement executives around the world with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to lead their agencies effectively.

The IACP’s record of accomplishment in these efforts is a testament to the wisdom of our founders, who realized that having police chiefs working together, sharing information, and learning from the experience of other police executives was fundamental to their ability to protect their communities from crime and violence.

Recognizing that the timely sharing of information is critical to our success in meeting our vision of “Serving the Leaders of Today, Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow,” the IACP has launched a number of outreach efforts that are designed to keep our membership updated, connected, and more involved with the day-to-day activities of the IACP.

IACP News is a biweekly electronic newsletter emailed to all IACP members. IACP News contains the latest information on upcoming IACP events, emerging issues of importance to the law enforcement community, information on IACP awards programs, the latest law enforcement job opportunities, and more.

The IACP Blog (www.theiacpblog.org) is updated several times per week and contains detailed information on various events and meetings and announcements from the IACP. The blog also hosts messages and firsthand accounts of recent events from IACP leadership and members. For example, recent posts have addressed the investigation of the Boston Marathon Bombing; the explosion in West, Texas; and the continuing hunt for Joanne Chesimard.

IACP Twitter feed (@TheIACP) is updated daily (usually several times per day). The Twitter feed provides the latest information on issues of importance to the law enforcement community. It is also the quickest way to keep up to speed with new announcements from the IACP such as the release of new reports, upcoming meetings, registration deadlines, and so forth. In addition, the IACP has hosted several “Twitter chats” with members of the IACP leadership and other key leaders in the law enforcement community. These events allow Twitter users the opportunity to interact directly with the participants and to address critical issues confronting the law enforcement community.

The IACP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheIACP) showcases meetings and events in which staff and members are participants. This allows you to see firsthand the work of the association on your behalf. Additionally, the IACP’s Facebook page allows for interactive conversations on programs of the IACP like the Center for Social Media and the Center for Officer Safety and Wellness. For example, every Wednesday a post is made highlighting wellness and the law enforcement community. Wellness Wednesday provides food for thought on a variety of topics such as returning combat veterans, smoking cessation, weight management, and more.

Cleary, through these various outlets, and also through the Police Chief magazine, the IACP is demonstrating its commitment to keeping members connected and informed about the efforts that the IACP makes on behalf of its membership on a daily basis.

However, if we are to be truly successful in our efforts, we need your involvement. That is why I urge you to get more involved with the IACP and to encourage your peers to do the same.

There are a variety of opportunities for membership involvement. For example, IACP’s committees are composed of dedicated IACP members from throughout the world, and they address the most crucial issues facing the law enforcement community today, ranging from arson and explosives to communications and technology. Over the years, the experts who are members of IACP’s committees have produced a vast number of publications and projects for the benefit of the law enforcement profession.

The IACP relies on our committees for a tremendous amount of work. They serve as our subject matter experts on a number of issues that are critical to both the association and the law enforcement profession as a whole. Because of this responsibility, it is not surprising that the IACP has 39 standing committees, several committee coordinating panels, and various ad hoc committees. Roughly 1,200 IACP members serve on our committees and are involved in a wide variety of projects, initiatives, and award programs on behalf of the association. Although committee membership is limited, most committees are always looking for new members who are eager to join in their efforts to advance the law enforcement profession. A list of committees can be found on the IACP website at www.theiacp.org under the membership tab.

In addition to IACP committees, IACP sections offer another avenue for membership participation. Unlike IACP committees, which are usually focused on a specific topic and have a limited membership, IACP sections have a much broader focus and are designed to allow all members with an interest in a certain aspect of law enforcement to participate. There are currently 20 IACP membership sections ranging from the Smaller Department Section to the IACP Legal Officers Section. The full listing of sections can also be found on the IACP website at www.theiacp.org under the membership tab. Remember, as a member, you are the key to our success. Your active participation and support of the IACP provide a unified voice for the law enforcement community on a national and international level. Your active membership allows IACP to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices among law enforcement leaders around the world. If you are interested in finding out about more ways that you can be involved in the IACP, please send an email to information@theiacp.org. ♦

Please cite as:

Craig T. Steckler, “IACP: Get Connected—Get Involved,” President’s Message, The Police Chief 80 (June 2013): 6.