Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we are often asked.
What are the goals of FOP?
To support and defend the Constitution of the United States; to inculcate loyalty and allegiance to the United States of America; to promote and foster the enforcement of law and order; to improve the individual proficiency of our members in the performance of their duties; to encourage social, charitable, and educational activities among law enforcement officers; to advocate and strive for better retirement, benefits, and uniform application of the civil service system for appointment and ensuring fidelity to duty under all conditions and circumstances; to cultivate a spirit of fraternalism and mutual helpfulness between our members and the people we serve; to increase the efficiency of the law enforcement profession and thus more firmly establish the confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the protection of life and property.
What does it mean to be a FOP Associate Member?
FOP Associate members are civilian affiliates of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Our members are friends and families of law enforcement Officers, responsible and respected business persons, professional men and women, and citizens from all walks of life – people willing to devote a portion of their time and efforts toward assisting the various law enforcement agencies of our communities, states and nation.
What are the By-Laws of FOP that determine eligibility for full membership?
Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police
Article 4 – Membership
Section 1. Any regularly appointed or elected and full-time employed law enforcement officer of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof, or any agency may be eligible for membership in the Fraternal Order of Police, subject to the provisions of this Constitution. No person shall be denied membership on account of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, or national origin.
Section 2. Subject only to the provisions of this Constitution, each state and subordinate lodge shall be the judge of its membership. Each state and subordinate lodge shall establish requirements for membership in good standing of its respective membership, which requirements shall not be inconsistent herewith.
Retired Membership
Each local lodge has its own requirements regarding membership for retired law enforcement officers. If you are a retired law enforcement officer and wish to join the Fraternal Order of Police, simply Contact Us.
Who is eligible for a Full Membership?
Any full-time, sworn law enforcement officer with arrest power who is employed by a government entity may become a full member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
What is the Fraternal Order of Police?
The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 330,000 members in more than 2,200 lodges. We are the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. We are committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation.
Does the Fraternal Order of Police solicit donations via the telephone?
The National Fraternal Order of Police does not conduct telephone solicitations. However, some State and local FOP lodges do. If you have a question about a telephone call you received requesting that you make a donation to the FOP, please contact the local FOP lodge in your area or the FOP State Lodge in your state.
Am I eligible to join the Fraternal Order of Police?
If you are a regularly appointed or elected and full-time employed law enforcement officer of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof, or any agency, then you can become a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. If you are a family member of a Fraternal Order of Police member you may join the FOP Auxiliary. If you are a supporter of Law Enforcement you may join the FOP Associates. Please contact your local Fraternal Order of Police lodge who will assist you through the membership process.
What services does the Fraternal Order of Police provide?
The Fraternal Order of Police is a full service member representation organization. The membership of each local lodge determines the services that are provided by his/her local lodge. The members of each State Lodge determine what services are provided by the State Lodge. The National Fraternal Order of Police provides a wide variety of services.
Who are the members of the Fraternal Order of Police?
The Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 330,000 regularly appointed or elected and full-time employed law enforcement officers of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof, or any agency.
