INTERPOL | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Policing

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates international police cooperation and helps to prevent and combat transnational crime.


Established in 1923, INTERPOL now counts 194 countries as members. Rather than having its own police force, INTERPOL serves as a sort of grand central station for international police collaboration. Here, law enforcement agencies from different countries can share crucial information and coordinate their efforts to tackle international crime.

INTERPOL’s Key Activities

INTERPOL engages in several important activities. These activities help member countries to fight crime more effectively.

Issuing International Warrants

INTERPOL can issue what is called a “Red Notice.” This is like an international arrest warrant. It asks member countries to locate and arrest a person for extradition.

Coordinating Cross-border Investigations

When a crime involves more than one country, INTERPOL can help police forces work together. For example, if a suspect flees from one country to another, INTERPOL can facilitate the cooperation between the police in both countries.

Providing Technical Support and Training

INTERPOL doesn’t just help with current crimes. It also helps member countries prepare for the future. The organization provides technical support and training, helping police forces keep up with the latest crime-fighting techniques.

Maintaining Databases

INTERPOL hosts several databases. These databases track things like stolen and lost travel documents, wanted persons, and stolen vehicles. With this information at their fingertips, law enforcement officers can better fight crime.

Focusing on Transnational Crime

Transnational crimes, crimes that cross borders, are their main focus. These crimes include organized crime, human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

By serving as a hub for law enforcement agencies, they help countries share intelligence about these crimes. Through this cooperation, countries can better coordinate their efforts to fight transnational crime.

A Close Look at a Key Area: Cybercrime

Let’s take a closer look at one key area: cybercrime. In today’s digital world, cybercrime is a growing concern. Criminals use the internet to steal information, commit fraud, and even launch attacks on computer systems. Because the internet is global, these crimes often involve more than one country.

INTERPOL helps countries fight cybercrime in several ways. It offers training on cybercrime investigation techniques. It helps countries share information about cyber threats. And it coordinates international efforts to catch cybercriminals.

The Impact

In a world where criminals can easily cross borders, INTERPOL’s role is more important than ever. Offering a platform for international police cooperation, it helps keep our global community safer. From issuing international warrants to coordinating cross-border investigations, its work is crucial in the fight against international crime.

In conclusion, INTERPOL is like a web, connecting law enforcement agencies from around the world. By bringing these agencies together, INTERPOL helps them share information, coordinate efforts, and fight crime more effectively. It’s an important part of our global fight against crime.


[ Glossary ]

Last Modified: 03/09/2023

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