The Reality of Security Brought the Aviation & Maritime Authorities Together for a Safer World in 1968

A Different Time...

Our History

The INTERPORTPOLICE bears a 55-year tenure.

In 1968 and 1969, international law enforcement leaders from multiple country jurisdictions came together to address international cooperation with an eye on terrorism and serious transnational crime. In 1970, the organization's first international meeting was held at the Massachusetts Port Authority, “Massport,” with senior command police from around the world attending (pictured above-left). Originally, maritime authorities were involved, but soon after, in 1974, airport authorities were included, as often, they were in the same jurisdictions. At that time, the name was altered and called the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police (IAASP).

In 2010, a new global charter was adopted to include transport and border jurisdictions whose activities are integral to public transportation security. INTERPORTPOLCE was adopted as a contraction of the International Organization of Airport and Seaport Police patterned after INTERPOL, the International Crime Police Organization.

First International authority meeting - Massport Authority - Boston, MA 1970

Forward Thinking Global Learders

Together, We Are A Global Force

We are honoured by their outstanding service. Jurisdiction member authorities put forth a commanding officer to preside as the board president to oversee our regional officers. To date, 22 chiefs, superintendents, chief constables and director generals from 8 countries served as president of the board.

Board Presidents

2017 - 2024 Chief Joseph Lawless: Massport Police Department, United States
2010 – 16 Chief Ronald Boyd: Port of Los Angeles Police Department, United States
2007 – 09 Chief Russell Whitmarsh: Houston Port Authority, United States
2001 – 07 Chief Superintendent Henk van Unnik: Port of Rotterdam, Seaport Police, Netherlands
1999 – 01 Chief Noel Cunningham: Port of Los Angeles, United States
1997 – 99 Brigadier General Saad M. Al–Shuhayeb: Saudi Arabia
1995 – 97 Chief Ronald Driscole, United States
1994 – 95 Assistant Commissioner Laban Kauga, Tanzania
1992 – 94 Chief Superintendent Robert Bertelson, United States
1990 – 92 Chief Superintendent John Boyle, United Kingdom
1988 – 90 Superintendent Peter L. K. Lee: National Police Agency, Taiwan China
1986 – 88 Colonel Rokus den Breejen, Netherlands
1984 – 86 Lt. Colonel Frank Mazzone, United States
1982 – 84 Commissioner Fred Bean,OBE, Bermuda
1980 – 82 Chief Ray Havens, United States
1978 – 80 Superintendent Walter Lee, United States
1976 – 78 Chief Constable Eric Ellen, United Kingdom
1975 – 76 Superintendent Theodore Ciunyk, Canada
1974 – 75 Chief Thomas Jones, United States
973 – 74 Chief Constable DCW (Peter) Gannon, United Kingdom
1972 – 73 Chief Lewis Brown, United States
1971 – 71 Captain Robert Herzog, United States
1970 – 71 Director General Donald Cassidy, Canada
1969 – 70 Board Only
1968 - In formation