Fraternal Order of Police

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is a nonprofit fraternal organization consisting of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. It was founded in 1915 by two Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, patrol officers, Martin Toole and Delbert Nagle, with the aim of improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and promoting a safer community for those they serve.

History

The FOP was established on May 14, 1915, when Toole, Nagle, and 21 other members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police formed the first local lodge, Fort Pitt Lodge #1. Initially, the founders avoided using the term "union" due to the anti-union sentiment of the time, but the organization effectively functioned as one by advocating for officers' grievances and legislative changes. The decision to expand nationwide was made in 1918, with a constitution stating that "race, creed, or color shall be no bar" to membership. The FOP historically opposed police review boards and clashed with organizations like the ACLU on issues like police brutality.

Mission and Objectives

The Fraternal Order of Police is committed to supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution, fostering law and order, improving the proficiency of its members, and advocating for uniform civil service merit systems. The organization aims to enhance the standard of living and working conditions for law enforcement officers through legal and ethical means. It also promotes fraternal, educational, charitable, and social activities among its members.

Structure and Membership

The FOP has over 373,000 members in more than 2,200 local lodges across the United States. Membership is open to any full-time, sworn law enforcement officer with arrest power employed by a government entity. Local lodges are responsible for setting specific membership requirements for retired officers.

Activities and Initiatives

The FOP engages in various activities, including lobbying for legislative changes, providing legal defense for officers, and supporting community involvement programs. It also sponsors events like the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service and offers educational and wellness programs for law enforcement professionals.

Emblem and Motto

The FOP emblem features a five-pointed star symbolizing authority and the "thin blue line" of protection. The motto, "Jus, Fidus, Libertatum," is currently interpreted to mean "Law is a Safeguard of Freedom," although it is not a grammatically correct Latin phrase. The original intent was believed to convey "Fairness, Justice, Equality" or "Justice, Friendship, Equality."