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 – 69 Board Only

Secretary General Tim Kimsey presenting a lifetime award to Col. Fred Maurer upon his retirement in 1996.

Secretary Generals

  • Commissioner Jay Grant, United States

  • Chief Michael Toddington, Canada

  • Chief Tim Kimsey, United States

  • Director General Ted Ciunyk, Canada

  • Chief Eric Ellen, United Kingdom

  • Chief Donald Cassidy, Canada

Meetings

Amsterdam 1984

Singapore 1992

Jeddah 1999

New York City 2018

London 2023

Ceremonies

9/11 Police Medal Recipients

9/11 International Police Medal, IPM

9/11 Police Medal Recipients

9/11 Security Innovation Awards

Security / Public Safety / Police - Distinguished - Valor