The International Police Association is an independent body made up of members of the police service, whether in employment 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.  It is committed to the principles set out in the  Universal Declaration of Human Rights as adopted by the  United Nations in 1948.  Its aims include the development of cultural relations amongst its 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 its possibilities, to peaceful co-existence between peoples and to the preservation of world peace.

Membership is to the IPA South Africa Section is open to all serving and retired members of the South African Police Service as well as civilian members in their employment. Above mentioned is also applicable to members the South African Reservist Service, Traffic, Municipal and Metropolitan Police Service, Law Enforcement Officers in the employ of the National or Provincial Park Boards.

Each IPA Section may apply its own criteria as to who or who not can be regarded as serving in an organization, who can be regarded as a “police officer” for purpose of membership.

Membership fees are determined by each Section during its annual National Council.

We are non-discriminative  against race, colour, sex or religion and we are a non-Government Organization, in consultative status (special) with the Economic and Social council of the United Nations and in consultative status with the council of Europe and the Organization of the American States, International NGO maintaining relation within UNESCO. We are also a non-profit organization, registered  no. 001-744NPO since 21 August 2000.