Exposé INTERPOL/EUROPOL

        INTERPOL is a governmental organization whose full name is "International Criminal Police Organization". It has 195 (one hundred ninety five) member countries and promotes collaboration as well as the exchange of and access to information (mainly on criminals, offences) between the different police authorities.

•  What are INTERPOL's different bodies ?

The General Secretariat co-ordinates INTERPOL's everyday activities to fight various areas of crime. Under the supervision of the General Secretariat, INTERPOL is staffed by police officers and civilians and operates from its headquarters in Lyon, the Global Innovation Complex in Singapore and several other offices in various regions.

        In each country, a National Central Bureau (NCB) serves as the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and the other NCBs. It is staffed by national police officers and is usually located within the ministry responsible for policing.

        INTERPOL's General Assembly is the governing body that brings all member countries together each year to make decisions.

• How are the policies related?

Member countries are connected through a secure communication system called "I-24/7", which allows them to exchange information with each other and with the General Secretariat. The system also allows member countries to access databases and services in real time, regardless of their location. INTERPOL also co-ordinates networks of experts and police officers in various crime areas, who meet at working groups and conferences to share their experience and ideas.        

• What is INTERPOL's assignment?

The General Secretariat provides expertise and a range of services to member countries. INTERPOL manages 19 (nineteen) police databases containing information on crimes and criminals (names, fingerprints, stolen passports, etc.) that member countries can access in real time.

INTERPOL also provides investigative support, including forensic analysis and assistance in locating fugitives around the world. INTERPOL supports international crime-fighting initiatives in three global areas that require rapid response: terrorism, cybercrime and organized crime.

Officers specializing in each crime area conduct a variety of activities alongside member countries, such as investigative support, field operations, training and liaison. Another important part of INTERPOL's mission is to study future developments in international crime through research and development.

• The global platform of INTERPOL

Crime nowadays is more and more international. It is therefore essential that the various actors coordinate in order to maintain global security.

INTERPOL, being a global organization, is able to provide this communication platform. Indeed, it allows police authorities to work properly with other foreign police authorities, for example, even between countries that do not have diplomatic relations. All of INTERPOL's activities are, of course, politically neutral and conducted in accordance with the laws of the respective countries.

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