Join the FOP

Why should I join? | From our early beginnings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1915 to today, the Fraternal Order of Police has grown to become the largest and most commanding voice in law enforcement. With more than 2,200 local lodges and more than 356,000 members across the United States, we are committed to the belief that no one knows the danger and difficulties faced by law enforcement officers better than another law enforcement officer.

The Fraternal Order of Police was founded and continues to operate as a representative organization. You have a voice and vote in all matters in your local lodges. You, the members, through your local lodges, direct the efforts of the FOP. You decide what programs and benefits are right for you. You elect your officers to represent you. We have full-time staff members, but there are no high-paid “executives.” No other police association offers so much for so little. Whether in labor, legislation, education or fraternalism, your voice, and the voices of your fellow members, is the voice of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Please allow us to be your voice by joining.

Throughout the year, Lodge #94 hosts several community-based events such as our Shop with a Sheriff and School Supply Giveaway programs. These events offer our members the opportunity to interact with and give back to our Will County communities. In addition to these, we also host an annual picnic and Breakfast with Santa for our members and participate in other local events including the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Men Who Cook and the Plainfield Police Armored Truck Pull.

Who can join? | Any full-time, sworn law enforcement officer with arrest power who is employed by a government entity may become a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Each local lodge has its own requirements regarding membership for retired law enforcement officers. Please contact your local lodge for membership eligibility.

Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police
Article 4 – Membership

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.

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.

Lodge vs. Labor

Do you know the difference? | The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the FOP Labor Council are two separate and distinct organizations. You can be represented by the FOP Labor Council and NOT be a member of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.

Benefits

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with over 356,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. We are committed to improving the working conditions of officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation. Click below for an overview of the wide variety of services and benefits that the FOP offers to its members.

FOP Legal Defense Plan* | The FOP Legal Defense Plan is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and operated by the FOP Legal Plan, Inc. Legal defense protection is a necessity for law enforcement professionals. As the frequency and cost of allegations rise, the FOP Legal Defense Plan offers lodges and lodge members a very affordable and comprehensive plan with several options. The FOP Legal Defense Plan contracts with Plan attorneys to represent eligible participants when confronted with covered claims. Participants in the Plan have the right to select an attorney of their own choice.

*You MUST be a FOP lodge member in order to enroll in the FOP Legal Defense Plan.

Associate Membership

Become an Associate Member to support law enforcement in Illinois, stay abreast of timely information affecting law enforcement, and receive an annual membership card and auto decal. Associate membership is open to anyone! (Sponsorship or background check required – see information below.)

For only $30 per year, Associate members receive:

  • Membership Card

  • Auto Decal

All Associate Members will be eligible to apply for an exclusive ILFOP Visa Credit Card offered through ISPFCU. The information will be included in your membership packet. In addition, Associate members may purchase one adhesive medallion per year for $10.

To be granted Associate membership, all applicants must have an eligible sponsor* or agree to undergo a background check by the Illinois State Lodge. Background checks are $16, payable by the applicant and remitted at the time of application. Please submit the background check form with your application to expedite processing. All information is held in the strictest confidence. The ILFOP President and/or Secretary will verify sponsorship and approve or deny applications accordingly. There is no appeal process for membership denial.

* An eligible sponsor is an FOP member (full-time, sworn law enforcement professional) who recommends the applicant for Associate membership.

PLEASE NOTE: Associate members are not eligible to purchase FOP license plates. State law limits eligibility to full-time, sworn law enforcement officers that are current in the FOP as full members.