The emphasis of the IPS -project is to develop cooperative working methods for two professional groups: police officers and social workers. Traditionally, these professionals work separately and on a slightly different basis. In this project, the dimensions of security, welfare and empowerment will be pound together. The project particularly focuses on the preventative work.

The IPS -project will contribute to the professionalization of social work and enlarge the work of police officers as well as raise the status of these occupations among immigrant communities by providing services that are based more on intercultural understanding.

IPS -project has three main tasks: 1) Comparative research of best and promising practices, 2) Production of professional education materials, and 3) Professional development program for social workers and police officers.

The concrete outcomes of the IPS -project are: Transnational comparative research of the best and promising practices in the cooperation of police and social workers; A database of these practices; Multi-professional education materials; A cooperative professional development program for social workers and police officers.

An external evaluation of the IPS project will be done by Lönnrot Institute of  the University of Oulu.

The IPS -project is co-financed by the European Union under European Integration Fund Community Action for 2008.  The total budget is 589 842 €, of which the EU finance is 471 873€ and the partners 117 968€.