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IPA, the International Police Association, was founded in 1950 by a British police sergeant named Arthur Troop, whose goal was to create a channel for friendship and international cooperation among police officers throughout the world. The association espoused equality, with no differentiation of rank, gender, race, color, language or religion and its motto was set in Esperanto, "Servo per Amikeco" - "Service through Friendship".
IPA is now the largest police association in the world, with over 400,000 members in 64 different countries.
IPA Israel was founded in 1960 and was awarded official recognition at the organization's 6th World Congress held in May 1963 in Oslo, Norway.
Today, IPA Israel is one of the international police association's largest branches, with some 22,000 members. In September 2012 Israel will host the IPA World Congress, where representatives from all member countries will join in celebrating IPA Israel's 50th anniversary.
The association allows police officers from all around the world to form and maintain professional, cultural, social and sports-related ties, reciprocal hospitality and emergency aid in case of disaster.
Throughout the world and in Israel, IRA is a nonÂgovernmental organization and it has been granted observer status in international frameworks such as U.N. institutions, the European Union, UNESCO and Europol.
Every IPA member holds an international membership card, which is recognized by every police officer in the world. International ties based on friendship contribute to familiarity and understanding among nations.
Hundreds of IPA members from all over the world visit Israel every year for professional visits, vacation, religious visits and medical treatment. Through their direct acquaintance with Israel they become ambassadors of good will, thus contributing to Israel's standing in the world.
Commander (Res.) Dr. Eran
Israel Secretary General IPA Israel
