Arthur Troop, a police sergeant from Lincolnshire, founded the IPA in 1950 under the Esperanto motto Servo per Amikeco (Service Through Friendship). As the first Secretary General of the British Section, his dream was to create a channel for friendship and co-operation amongst police officers worldwide.
With the help of early pioneers, he worked tirelessly to encourage other national sections to form. By 1955, there were sections in the majority of western Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australasia.
In 1965, Arthur Troop was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work in founding the IPA. During his lifetime, Arthur received many high awards fincluding an Honorary Doctorate from Canada; the Cross of Honour from the President of the Republic of Austria; and following the unveiling of the Arthur Troop statue on the great Plain of Hungary in 1998, he was presented with the ‘Golden Sword of Hungary’ by the State.
In 1966, Arthur retired from the police but continued to be a part of the IPA. In May 2000, in spite of ill-health, Arthur prepared himself for the Association's 50th Anniversary and was congratulated for his work by HRH Princess Anne.
On 30th November 2000, Arthur passed away. Arthur was an ordinary British policeman who followed his vision and succeeded in creating the world’s largest police organisation.
