The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is an inter-governmental organization who is made up of 195 member countries that assist the Police forces with matters related to crime and wanted persons.    Not only do they provide access to data and information, but they also provide the forces with operational and technical support.

Who makes up INTERPOL?

The General Secretariat coordinates INTERPOL’s day-to-day activities to fight a range of crimes. Run by the Secretary General, it is staffed by both police and civilians and comprises a headquarters in Lyon, a global complex for innovation in Singapore, and several satellite offices in different regions.

In each country, an INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) provides the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and other NCBs. An NCB is run by national police officials and usually sits in the government ministry responsible for policing.

The General Assembly is their governing body and it brings all countries together once a year to take decisions.

                                 

A global platform

Today’s crimes are increasingly international. It is crucial that there is coordination among all the different players in maintaining a global security architecture.

Since INTERPOL is a global organization, it can provide this platform for cooperation; theyenable police to work directly with their counterparts, even between countries which do not have diplomatic relations.

They also provide a voice for police on the world stage, engaging with governments at the highest level to encourage this cooperation and use of their services.

All their actions are politically neutral and taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries.