The Iowa State Troopers Association is an organization that promotes friendship among its fellow members. ISTA assists its members by promoting morale, intellectual and social benefits. The general welfare of the members is the cornerstone of the organization. Other basic principles are a sense of individual obligation to the Iowa State Patrol and a comradeship of its members by devotion to mutual helpfulness.

ISTA also involves itself in many situations when deemed advisable and desirable to accomplish the aforesaid purposes. Many activities are sponsored by ISTA to develop good will and fellowship among the members.