With 8,000 members in the UK and 360,000 worldwide in 68 countries, the International Police Association (IPA) is the largest police friendship organisation in the world. Founded in in 1950 with the aim of connecting police officers in the UK and abroad through social and cultural events and networks. A non-government organisation, over the intervening years, the IPA has grown considerably and now has member sections in 66 countries supported by the governing International Executive Board (IEB). The aim of the IPA remains the same, with a focus on networking to offer professional development opportunities for members who are keen to shape their careers. Through international operational exchange programmes as well as courses around the world that members can attend, the aim of the Section UK Professional Portfolio is to enable professional connection and development of its members. The IPA has an established education centre in West Germany – IBZ Schloss Gimborn, which runs professional seminars for police officers ranging from specialist policing subjects to practical operational skills. The IPA is committed to the principles as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as adopted by the United Nations in 1948, and is in Consultative (Special) Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and also is in Consultative Status with the Organization of American States and UNESCO.