The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a national membership organization of police executives from the largest city, county and state law enforcement agencies, primarily in the United States. The organization is dedicated to improving policing and advancing professionalism through research and involvement in public policy debate. Since its founding in 1981, it has fostered debate, research and an openness to challenging traditional police practices. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. - Source: Wikipedia