The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has been a cornerstone in the policing profession since its inception in 1893. With a mission to enhance the policing profession globally, the IACP incorporates diverse perspectives from its members, professionals, agencies, countries, and regions. The association boasts over 35,000 members across 170 countries, making it a significant entity in fostering effective two-way communication among diverse populations. This communication is crucial for creating cohesive communities and ensuring policing practices are inclusive and effective.
Website Enhancements
As part of its commitment to global involvement, the IACP has continuously updated its services and tools to be more accessible to the profession. Previously, visitors to the IACP webpage could find useful information on policies, promising practices, trainings, toolkits, and upcoming events. However, the limited language options may have hindered some users’ ability to learn more about the policing profession or access programs and tools of interest. Recognizing this barrier, the IACP has made significant strides to ensure its website is more accessible to non-English speakers and individuals with visual or hearing impairments.
When visiting the IACP website, users will now find a “Language/Accessibility” option in the top right corner of the page.
Upon clicking on the link, the Recite Me accessibility software will be enabled. This feature allows users to view important information in more than 100 languages. Additionally, visitors can utilize the text-to-speech feature to hear website content in supported languages and adjust the font style, size, spacing, and color for easier reading.
This enhancement ensures that a broader audience can access the valuable resources and information provided by the IACP. This accessibility feature is also available on the Police Chief website, IACP 2025 website, IACPnet website, and IACPlearn platform.
Event Enhancements
In addition to these website improvements, the IACP has introduced Wordly, an application for transcription and simultaneous interpretation via mobile devices. This app was first used at the 2024 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition, where it received positive feedback for its inclusion of non-English speaking participants. The application eliminates the need for in-person translation services during IACP meetings and offers additional features such as artificial intelligence captioning. This innovation marks a significant step in ensuring that IACP conferences and events are accessible to a wider audience.
The app is easy to use. Attendees download it on their phone; scan a QR code specific to the workshop, session, or meeting; and choose from a list of languages. The presenter’s audio is connected to the app’s audio system, allowing attendees to hear the presentation in their selected language and read a transcript of the proceedings. This app enables conference attendees to attend more sessions without needing in-person interpretation, making the IACP’s events more inclusive and accessible.
Attendees can now participate in workshops and meetings without language barriers, accessing all the IACP has to offer in their native language. Additionally, enhanced accessibility allows individuals with disabilities to participate fully in IACP events and access resources. By removing these barriers and providing multiple options, the IACP continues to value its members through greater engagement opportunities among its diverse membership.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
The IACP’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion is evident. By making its website and events more accessible, the IACP ensures that all members, regardless of language or ability, can benefit from its resources and participate fully in its activities. This commitment to inclusivity not only enhances the experience for current members but also attracts new members from diverse backgrounds, further enriching the IACP community.
The IACP invites members to explore its websites and utilize the Wordly application at the upcoming 2025 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Denver, Colorado. These enhancements are part of the IACP’s ongoing efforts to support its members and advance the policing profession globally. By embracing technology and prioritizing accessibility, the IACP continues to lead the way in fostering a more inclusive and effective policing community.d
Please cite as:
Francisco Delgado, “Cross-Border Collaboration and Unity,” IACP@Work, Police Chief 92, no. 9 (September 2025): 84–85.
