Our History
The reality of security brought the aviation and maritime authorities together for a safer world in 1968.
A 58-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.
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, the organization's charter was expanded to include transportation and border jurisdictions involved in international transportation security and critical infrastructure protection. The acronym INTERPORTPOLICE was also formally adopted as a simplified identifier for the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police, patterned after INTERPOL – the International Criminal Police Organization.
Board Presidents
We are honoured by their outstanding service. To date, 22 chiefs, superintendents, chief constables and director generals from 8 countries have served as president of the board.
| Years | Name |
|---|---|
| 2017–26 | Chief Joseph Lawless |
| 2010–16 | Chief Ronald Boyd |
| 2007–09 | Chief Russell Whitmarsh |
| 2001–07 | Chief Superintendent Henk van Unnik |
| 1999–01 | Chief Noel Cunningham |
| 1997–99 | Brigadier General Saad M. Al-Shuhayeb |
| 1995–97 | Chief Ronald Driscole |
| 1994–95 | Assistant Commissioner Laban Kauga |
| 1992–94 | Chief Superintendent Robert Bertelson |
| 1990–92 | Chief Superintendent John Boyle |
| 1988–90 | Superintendent Peter L. K. Lee |
| 1986–88 | Colonel Rokus den Breejen |
| 1984–86 | Lt. Colonel Frank Mazzone |
| 1982–84 | Commissioner Fred Bean, OBE |
| 1980–82 | Chief Ray Havens |
| 1978–80 | Superintendent Walter Lee |
| 1976–78 | Chief Constable Eric Ellen |
| 1975–76 | Superintendent Theodore Ciunyk |
| 1974–75 | Chief Thomas Jones |
| 1973–74 | Chief Constable DCW (Peter) Gannon |
| 1972–73 | Chief Lewis Brown |
| 1971–72 | Captain Robert Herzog |
| 1970–71 | Director General Donald Cassidy |
| 1969–70 | Board Only |
| 1968–69 | Board Only |
Secretary Generals
International Meetings
Award Ceremonies
The 9/11 Police Medal Recipients — Security, Public Safety, Police — Distinguished — Valor.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Join a global network of airport and seaport police authorities committed to making the world safer for over 58 years.
