ABOUT IPA
The history of the International Police Association began with a simple idea: that friendship and personal understanding between police officers could overcome borders and contribute to closer international cooperation.
Arthur Troop and the birth of IPA
The International Police Association was founded on 1 January 1950 by Arthur Troop, a sergeant with Lincolnshire Police in the United Kingdom. His aim was to create an organisation that would build bonds of friendship and understanding between police officers from different countries.
That vision also gave rise to the motto Servo per Amikeco —“Service through friendship”— which continues to identify the association today.
Foundation
Arthur Troop officially establishes the International Police Association on 1 January 1950.
First World Congress
The expansion of new national sections strengthens the international dimension of the association.
Expansion beyond Europe
Canada and Hong Kong become the first affiliated sections outside Europe.
Gimborn Centre
The International Education and Conference Centre at Gimborn is established in Germany, becoming a historic centre for IPA training and education.
IPA in Spain
The first contacts that would eventually lead to the creation of the Spanish Section date back to 1958, following a visit by police officers from Oberhausen to Barcelona. Ramón Trepat, then head of the Barcelona Municipal Police, played a decisive role in those early steps.
On 11 September 1961, during the Third World Congress held in Stuttgart, the Spanish Section was admitted as a full member of the International Police Association.