INTERPOL

Topic: INTERPOL

Created By:

Mohan Sai Krishna 

Volunteer 

Shivi Forensics 

Introduction:-

INTERPOL, officially known as the International Criminal Police Organization, is a crucial intergovernmental entity dedicated to fostering international police cooperation. Established in 1923, it has expanded to encompass 196 member countries, making it the largest international police organization in the world.

Mission and Functions

The primary mission of INTERPOL is to enhance cross-border collaboration among law enforcement agencies to effectively combat transnational crime. This includes sharing and accessing vital data on crimes and criminals, providing technical and operational support, and facilitating international police cooperation, even in the absence of diplomatic relations between member countries. INTERPOL focuses on several critical areas of crime, including:

• Terrorism

• Cybercrime

• Organized crime

• Financial crime and anti-corruption

To support these efforts, INTERPOL manages 19 police databases that contain extensive information on various crimes and criminals. It also provides forensic, analytical, and operational assistance to help locate fugitives and support investigations.

Organizational Structure

INTERPOL's day-to-day operations are overseen by the General Secretariat, which is led by a Secretary General. The organization also has a General Assembly, which serves as its governing body, convening annually to make key decisions. Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB), which acts as the main point of contact for the General Secretariat and facilitates communication with other NCBs.

Components

• General Assembly: Comprises delegates from all member countries, responsible for major policy decisions.

• General Secretariat: Operates continuously to manage the organization's activities and resources.

• National Central Bureaus (NCB): Each member country maintains an NCB staffed by law enforcement personnel, serving as a liaison for international police cooperation.

Operational Support and Training

INTERPOL provides extensive training programs to enhance skills in various areas, including cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime. It coordinates international operations to tackle transnational crime and conducts research to stay ahead of emerging crime trends. Furthermore, it offers a platform for police collaboration, enabling direct communication between law enforcement agencies, even in countries lacking formal diplomatic relations.

INTERPOL has a rich history of milestones and initiatives. 

Early Milestones

• 1923: The International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) was established in Vienna, Austria.

• 1927: Adoption of a resolution for each member country to establish a central point of contact, the precursor to today’s National Central Bureau (NCB).

• 1930: Establishment of specialized departments for criminal records, currency counterfeiting, and passport forgery.

• 1932: Creation of the post of Secretary General.

• 1935: Launch of the international radio network for criminal police authorities.

• 1938: Nazi takeover of the ICPC, relocating its headquarters to Berlin.

• 1946: Post-WWII rebuilding led by Belgium, moving headquarters to Paris and adopting “INTERPOL” as the telegraphic address.

• 1947: Issuance of the first Red Notice.

• 1950: Introduction of the emblem and flag.

• 1956: Adoption of a modernized Constitution, renaming the organization to the International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL.

• 1959: Early cooperation with other international organizations focusing on illicit narcotics traffic.

• 1962: Membership grew to 50 countries.

• 1969: First regional conference held in Liberia.

• 1972: Recognition by the United Nations and a Headquarters Agreement with France.

• 1982: Adoption of rules on international police cooperation and control of INTERPOL’s archives.

• 1986: Attack on the General Secretariat building by an extremist group.

• 1989: Move of the General Secretariat to Lyon, France.

• 1993: Establishment of an analytical criminal intelligence unit.

• 1999: Adoption of Arabic as the fourth official language.

• 2000: Introduction of an automatic fingerprint identification system (AFIS).

• 2001: INTERPOL became operational 24/7 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

• 2002: Launch of the secure global police communications system, I-24/7, and databases for stolen and lost travel documents and DNA.

• 2003: Establishment of the Command and Coordination Centre (CCC).

• 2004: Opening of an INTERPOL office at the United Nations in New York.

• 2005: Publication of the first INTERPOL–United Nations Security Council Special Notice.

• 2007: First public appeal for help in identifying a suspect in child sex abuse images.

• 2008: Deployment of an Incident Response Team to the Philippines following Typhoon Frank.

• 2009: Opening of the Regional Bureau in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

• 2010: Assistance with security for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

• 2012: Mireille Ballestrazzi became the first woman appointed as President of INTERPOL.

• 2013: Operation Lionfish seized nearly 30 tonnes of drugs.

• 2015: Inauguration of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore.

• 2016: Launch of the facial recognition system.

Recent Milestones (2017-2022)

• 2017: The ICSE database identified its 10,000th victim.

• 2018: Adoption of seven Global Policing Goals aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda.

• 2019: Launch of the I-CORE programme to enhance global police information sharing.

• 2020: Provided 24/7 support to police during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2021: Introduction of the I-Familia database and launch of the ID-Art mobile app. Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi was elected as INTERPOL’s President.

• 2022: Establishment of the Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) and the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the International Day of Police Cooperation.

Functioning of INTERPOL

• INTERPOL operates the I-24/7 secure global police communications system, which connects law enforcement agencies in all member countries. This system allows for the rapid and secure exchange of criminal investigative information.

• The organization manages 19 police databases that contain valuable information on crimes, criminals, and various investigative resources. These databases are accessible in real-time, enabling member countries to share and retrieve critical data swiftly.

• Although INTERPOL does not have investigative powers, it provides forensic, analytical, and operational support to national police forces. This includes assistance in locating fugitives and supporting ongoing investigations.

• INTERPOL offers training programs to law enforcement officials to enhance their skills in areas such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime, thereby strengthening the capabilities of police forces globally.

• The organization coordinates international operations to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and environmental crime.

• INTERPOL can deploy Incident Response Teams (IRTs) to assist with emergency responses to significant incidents, providing expertise and support for victim and suspect identification.

• INTERPOL conducts research to stay ahead of emerging crime trends and develop new strategies to combat them effectively.

• INTERPOL organizes conferences and working groups that bring together law enforcement officials and experts to share experiences and best practices.

Working of INTERPOL

• Administrative Liaison: INTERPOL functions as an administrative liaison between the law enforcement agencies of member countries, providing communications and database assistance. This is vital when fighting international crime because language, cultural, and bureaucratic differences can make it difficult for officers of different nations to work together.

• No Investigative Powers: INTERPOL does not have the authority to conduct investigations or make arrests. Instead, it supports national police forces by providing information and coordinating international efforts.

• Red Notices: INTERPOL issues Red Notices, which are requests to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition. However, it is up to each country to decide what legal status they give to these notices.

• Collaboration with Other Organizations: INTERPOL collaborates with various international organizations, including the United Nations, to enhance global security and combat transnational crime.

INTERPOL’s role is significant in ensuring that police forces around the world can work together seamlessly, despite differences in language, culture, and legal systems.

 

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