The Defence Police Federation is the staff association of the Ministry of Defence Police which represents the 3,500 men and women who provide a specialist policing service to the Ministry of Defence.

The Federation aims to do for its members what trades unions seek to do for theirs - that is to safeguard their interests and represent them in all matters concerning their work, and their well being and quality of life while at work. Like a trades union, the Federation negotiates with the official side on all matters concerning its membership's conditions of service. These include pay & allowances, hours of duty, annual leave, pensions and many others.

But there are important differences. Unlike a trades union;

• The DPF is managed and run entirely by serving police officers for serving police officers;
• The DPF is completely independent. It has no political affiliations or associations with any outside body;
• The DPF has no powers to call for any form of industrial action i.e. A withdrawal of labour (Strike) or a Work To Rule.

The Federation's unique status was established by Act of Parliament - The Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987, and its regulations are laid down in a statutory instrument.