
Our Mission
The United Nations has been deploying police officers for service in peace operations since 1960, with the first deployment to the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). The number of UNPOL officers authorized for deployment in peacekeeping operations and special political missions has grown from 5,840 in 1995 to about 11,000 in 2020, reflecting increased demand for policing expertise.
United Nations police provide operational support to host-State counterparts including to protect civilians; help facilitate secure elections; investigate incidents of sexual and gender-based violence; prevent and address serious organized crime and violent extremism; and promote environmental sustainability. United Nations Police also assist with the reform, restructuring and development of host-State police services and other law enforcement agencies.
All UNPOL personnel wearing the blue beret are active-duty members of their home police services seconded to work with the United Nations. Since 1990, 129 countries have seconded female and male police officers to serve the United Nations Police.
Why peacebuilding matters
Nearly 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, UN Member States created the Peacebuilding Commission, an intergovernmental body tasked with establishing mechanisms to help countries sustainably recover and rebuild from conflicts.