35th ANNUAL MEETING of the

INTERNATIONAL POLICE EXECUTIVE SYMPOSIUM

Lisbon, Portugal | June 21st – 26th, 2026

Welcome to IPES 2026!

Join us where tradition meets innovation. The International Police Executive Symposium (IPES) is proud to announce its 2026 Conference, to be held in the historic and vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, from June 21st to 26th, 2026.

In an era of rapid social change and technological advancement, the mandate for law enforcement is evolving. This year, we gather at the Autonomous University of Lisbon (UAL) to tackle one of the most pressing themes of our time:

“IPES brings police researchers and practitioners together to facilitate cross-cultural, international, and interdisciplinary exchanges for the enrichment of the policing profession.”

Call for Papers & Invitation to Conference

Conference Theme:

DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGES TO POLICING:

RESILIENCE, ETHICAL INTELLIGENCE, THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND AI IN POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Sub Themes:

  1. Democratic Governance, Accountability, and Legitimacy in Policing
  2. Ethical Intelligence and Integrity in Law Enforcement Leadership
  3. Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Algorithmic Policing
  4. Balancing Security, Privacy, and Civil Liberties in the Digital Age
  5. Resilient Policing Systems in Times of Crisis and Social Change
  6. Transparency, Oversight, and Public Trust in Technological Policing
  7. Human Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion in Democratic Policing
  8. The Role of Higher Education and Research in Ethical Policing
  9. Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, and Global Digital Cooperation
  10. Community Engagement, Public Dialogue, and Participatory Policing
  11. Innovation and Policy for the Future of Ethical and Accountable Policing

Why Attend?

IPES is more than a conference; it is a global bridge between theory and practice. We bring together world-class researchers, high-level police executives, and criminal justice practitioners to facilitate the cross-cultural exchange necessary to enrich the policing profession.

  • Global Networking: Connect with industry leaders and scholars from every corner of the globe.
  • Cutting-Edge Topics: Engage in deep dives into AI governance, algorithmic policing, human rights, and building public trust in a digital age.
  • A Published Legacy: Selected papers will be considered for the prestigious IPES Book Series, Advances in Police Theory and Practice, published by Routledge.

Global Publication Opportunities: The IPES-Routledge Partnership

IPES is proud to maintain a long-standing partnership with Routledge, one of the world’s leading academic publishers in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

The core mission of our annual conference is to bridge the gap between global research and field practice. To that end, select papers and presentations from the Lisbon 2026 Conference will be invited for submission to the prestigious IPES Book Series: Advances in Police Theory and Practice.

  • Global Reach: Published under the Routledge imprint (Taylor & Francis Group), these volumes ensure your research reaches an international audience of top-tier scholars, policy makers, and law enforcement executives.
  • Academic Excellence: Works in this series undergo rigorous selection to maintain the high standards associated with both IPES and Routledge.
  • A Lasting Legacy: This is a unique opportunity for participants to see their conference contributions evolve into a formal, peer-reviewed book chapter or volume.

Abstract Submissions & Editorial Inquiries

Submit all abstracts related to the conference theme and its designated sub-themes to the Conference Chair:

Submit to : Dr. Carlos Imbrosio Filho, Conference Chair

Email        :  [email protected]

 

If you are interested in submitting your work for consideration or have questions regarding the publication process for the Lisbon proceedings, please contact our book editor:

Submit to : Dr. Vicente Riccio

Email        : [email protected]

We look forward to helping you share your expertise with the world!

Registration & Attendance

  • Full Registration – All-inclusive package covering scientific sessions, certificate, publication eligibility, hotel, all meals, and the complete cultural program, including the Anniversary Cruise and Sintra excursion.
  • Family & Companions (Age 12 and above) – For guests staying with a registered participant; includes accommodation, meals, and social itinerary.
  • Local Participant (Sessions Only) – Standard registration including sessions at UAL, official certificate, and publication eligibility.
  • Local Special Participant (Sessions Only) – Reduced rate for specific eligible categories. Contact [email protected] for verification.

Cultural & Social Program Highlights

The IPES Lisbon Conference 2026 offers a rich social agenda to foster global networking while immersing participants in Portugal’s unique heritage. From historic guided tours to a landmark anniversary celebration, the program includes:

  • Historic Lisbon Guided Tour: Explore the soul of the city with guided visits to the historic districts of Baixa, Alfama, and Belém.
  • 35th Anniversary Gala Cruise: Celebrate three and a half decades of IPES with a spectacular anniversary dinner cruise on the Tagus River, featuring live music.
  • Sintra & Cascais Excursion: A full-day cultural journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra and the stunning Cascais Coast.
  • Traditional Fado Closing: Conclude the conference with an authentic Portuguese “Fado” evening, blending traditional cuisine with the soulful, world-renowned music of Lisbon.
  • Riverside Networking: Multiple social dinners, including an evening by the Tagus River and a gathering at the prestigious Clube de Jornalistas.

For further details regarding the cultural and social program, specific scheduling, or dietary requirements for social events, please contact:

Dr. Snezana Mijovic Das, M.D. Director of Cultural Affairs 

Email: [email protected]

Ready to Join Us?

Registrations

Registrations must be completed through our official Eventbrite page, OR by sending a check payable to IPES. For your security and convenience, Eventbrite accepts the following online payment methods:

  • Credit & Debit Cards: Major cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
  • PayPal: Secure checkout using your PayPal balance or linked accounts ([email protected]).

Important Note: If you cannot register online or prefer not to pay online processing fees, first email the program administrator, then make a direct bank transfer or send a check to IPES’ post office box address: (PO Box 344, Hartville, OH, 44632 USA).

Questions? 

Contact Dr. Mustafa Ozguler, Program Administrator ([email protected]).

Dilip K. Das, Ph.D.

Founding President of IPES, Former Police Chief, and Professor of Criminal Justice

Human Rights Consultant to the United Nations

[email protected]

 

Click for Conference Program Details 

Click for Cultural Program Details

Meet with prominent researchers, leaders, and professionals from around the world!

IPES meetings are thoughtfully curated to provide participants with a profound understanding of the host country’s culture, history, and heritage, highlighting the intricate ways policing is shaped by these influences. This perspective is seamlessly integrated into our tours of cultural and historical landmarks.