To aid active members families in the event of a line of duty death.

To inculate and preserve in its members the heritage of their Gaelic culture.

To recognize and promote the accomplishments and contributions of our ancestors and fellow Gaelic Americans.

To develop the spirit of fraternalism and fellowship amongst its members.

To encourage active participation in community activities.

To encourage and enhance professionalism within the law enforcement profession to better serve the community.

To engender exemplary deportment on the part of its police officers thereby creating respect and goodwill for law enforcement.

To provide a family oriented social and cultural atmosphere within the law enforcement community.

To uphold and defend the Constituion of the United States of America.

To promote positive public sentiment towards law enforcement.

To communicate to and educate the public of the virtues and accomplishments of law enforcement.

To develop an atmosphere in which the police and community work together to reduce crime.

To aid and assist worthy or needy members which are in the best interest of the Society.

To promote legislation benificial to law enforcement. 

     The first "Emerald Society" was started in 1953 by the New York Police Department. Three years later, in 1956, members of the New York City Fire Department started the first fire Emerald Society. The ancient Celtic tradition, to play the pipes at a fallen comrades funeral, was brought over by the Irish to police and fire departments. As such, the NYPD Emerald Society started the first police pipe band in 1960, followed by the FDNY pipe band in 1962. Over seventy Emerald Societies exist in the United States today.