A Royal Gibraltar Police officer has recently returned from a conference in Germany that aims to encourage more female officers to join the International Police Association. 

A statement from the RGP follows below:

Detective Constable Kianna Hermida spent several days at IBZ Gimborn, attending  numerous workshops and listening to a number of senior female police officers  speaking about their careers. 

Under the #SheIsIPA campaign name, the event was also a networking opportunity  to promote development and training opportunities available to female police officers  through the IPA. 

During the visit, DC Hermida, who works in the RGP’s Domestic Abuse Team, also  visited the Police Head Quarters in Cologne. 

She said: “The event, which gathered over 50 participants from 25 countries, was dedicated to encouraging more female officers to join the IPA, empowering women in leadership roles, addressing the inequalities faced by women in predominantly male environments, and exploring strategies to overcome these barriers. 

“During a series of conferences and workshops, I discovered practical strategies for empowering all officers, regardless of gender. One of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to network with fellow participants. Sharing experiences and ideas with women from diverse law enforcement agencies enriched our collective knowledge and highlighted best practices. 

“It was an incredible opportunity for which I am immensely grateful. It has equipped me with valuable knowledge and tools, and I am eager to share what I have learned with my colleagues. Having the opportunity to represent the IPA Gibraltar section, the Royal Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar as a whole at this seminar was a truly remarkable experience.” 

The trip was fully-funded for by the Gibraltar Branch of the IPA, who charge RGP  officers a voluntary monthly membership fee. 

IBZ Gimborn is home to the IPA's flagship International Education and Conference  Centre. 

The IPA is a friendship organisation for police officers, whether serving or retired. It  was founded in 1950 by English police sergeant Arthur Troop. 

For more information on the IPA Gibraltar section, visit https://ipa-gibraltar.gi