What is ICPC?

The International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) is the world's leading membership, training, and advocacy association for law enforcement chaplaincy. Keep reading to learn about

• the mission, vision, and core values of ICPC
• how ICPC encourages professionalism in law enforcement chaplaincy
• how ICPC got its start in 1973  

The Mission and Vision of ICPC

The Core Values of ICPC

• We respect and honor the badge and the men and women who have earned the right to wear it.
• We pledge availability to the needs of law enforcement officers and victims of crime.
• We subject our lives and our office to the scrutiny of accountability to ensure integrity.
• We offer professionalism of service, including confidential listening, and spiritual counsel.

How ICPC Began

In February 1973, three agents of the Internal Revenue Service were killed in a tragic late evening auto accident. Officials needed to make death notifications to the families located in cities outside the Washington, D.C. area. Chaplain Joseph Dooley was extremely frustrated at not being able to locate or contact other law enforcement chaplains for assistance. After the incident concluded, Chaplain Dooley dedicated himself to assuring that he would never again find himself isolated from other law enforcement chaplains.

In June 1973, a letter was sent to the president of 175 police associations, chiefs of police of major departments across the United States, and law enforcement chaplains. Chaplain Dooley outlined two distinct goals for a proposed association of chaplains:

• Compile a directory of chaplains, including their department or police association affiliation and contact information as to how they could be reached.
• Promote the bond of brotherhood so chaplains from far-reaching communities in the United States and Canada would be joined together in fellowship. The association would serve as a clearing house for helpful information pertinent to police chaplains.

In October 1973, the first group of chaplains gathered Hotel in Washington, D.C. and organized International Corporation of Police Chaplains (ICPC). The official name was later changed to The International Conference of Police Chaplains.

For the first time, chaplains from every part of the country had a forum to share their experiences, concerns, hopes, and dreams for law enforcement chaplaincy. If Dooley had any doubts about the interest and commitment of his fellow chaplains, they were soon allayed. The response was immediate and extensive. In less than two months, over 300 chaplains had returned their applications for membership in the new organization.

The great response can be attributed to the chiefs of police, local police associations, FOP lodges, and chaplains themselves. It was truly a cooperative effort of many people.

A need had become a vision, the vision had become a plan, and the plan became a reality.

About the ICPC Logo

The logo of The International Conference of Police Chaplains was developed early in the history of ICPC. It features symbols of both law enforcement and faith, inextricably woven together and superimposed to symbolize the role of chaplains within the law enforcement community.

• The logo is shaped like a five-pointed star of the early peace officer, made famous by the Texas Rangers.
• Superimposed upon this is the more modern shield, the badge of office for those who have sworn to shield the public from those who would violate the law.
• A field of blue (symbolizing truth) is surrounded by a circle of gold (symbolizing the unity of the family of chaplains). Superimposed on the shield are the symbols of the Judean-Christian faith, signifying the faith traditions of ICPC’s founders: the six-pointed Star of David and the Cross of Christ.
• A laurel wreath (symbolizing honor) surrounds the shield, distinguishing the law enforcement profession. At the top of the shield is a rising sun signifying God’s Word.