The International Police Association is a voluntary, independent world-wide body, made up of members of the police service belonging to National Sections, 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.

Ireland was affiliated to this Association in 1955 when it attained the status of a Section with the growing family of the International Police Association.

Section Ireland supports the objectives of the Association through sponsored activity and events organised and managed by the membership on a voluntary basis.