The IPA is the independent association of police officers regardless of rank, gender, race, skin color, language or religion. The association can include active or retired members of the police force. It is politically, union and religiously neutral. Arthur Troop, an English police sergeant, founded it on January 1st 1950 under the guiding principle formulated in Esperanto: "Servo per Amikeco" - "Serving through friendship". In 1953 the idea was taken up in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. In 1955, sections were founded in Germany and Switzerland. The IPA is the largest association of police officers worldwide with around 380,000 members in currently 58 countries. According to the statutes in force since January 1, 1990, the National Office consists of a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 11 members. The President, the Secretary General and the Treasurer are elected by name. The NL determines the functions of the other members, who are also elected by the Assembly of Delegates. The President is also the IEC delegate. As representatives of the social, cultural and professional commissions, members of the NL also act as links to the international commissions. The national office takes care of the day-to-day business. It coordinates the relations between the regions and represents the Switzerland section to the international authorities.