The IPA is the largest police association in the world and was founded by Police Sergeant Arthur Troop as a means of extending friendship and International co-operation amongst police officers. Members are both serving and retired officers, in addition to police employed civilian staff and specials. It is an NGO with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in consultative status with the Council of Europe, Organisation of American States, and UNESCO. In addition the IPA extends operational relations within Europol. National IPA Sections now exist in 66 Countries across the world and the association continues to grow year on year.