INTERPOL Washington | Definition

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

The mission of INTERPOL Washington is to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation as the United States representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General.


INTERPOL Washington is the U.S. branch of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Its main mission is to support international law enforcement cooperation as the official U.S. representative to INTERPOL. This work is done on behalf of the Attorney General.

The Role of INTERPOL Washington

Think of INTERPOL Washington as the U.S.’s connection to INTERPOL’s global network. It serves as a vital link between U.S. law enforcement agencies and their counterparts in 194 INTERPOL member countries.

Liaising with International Counterparts

One of the core functions of INTERPOL Washington is to liaise with its international counterparts. This means that they regularly communicate with law enforcement agencies in other countries. These conversations can range from sharing information about ongoing investigations to coordinating efforts in arresting international criminals.

Facilitating Information Exchange

INTERPOL Washington plays a crucial role in exchanging information with other member countries. When a U.S. law enforcement agency needs to share or receive information about a crime, INTERPOL Washington facilitates this process. This helps to ensure that vital data reaches the right hands, which can greatly help in solving international crimes.

Tackling Crime Together

Through its activities, INTERPOL Washington helps U.S. law enforcement agencies to combat international crime more effectively.

Collaborating in Investigations

International crimes often require the cooperation of law enforcement agencies from different countries. When U.S. law enforcement agencies investigate such crimes, it assists by coordinating with law enforcement agencies in other involved countries. This cooperation can be crucial for bringing international criminals to justice.

Accessing INTERPOL’s Resources

INTERPOL Washington provides U.S. law enforcement agencies with access to INTERPOL’s resources. These resources include databases containing valuable information such as fingerprints, DNA profiles, and stolen and lost travel documents. By leveraging these resources, U.S. agencies can often solve crimes more efficiently.

The Attorney General

INTERPOL Washington does all this work on behalf of the U.S. Attorney General. The Attorney General, as the chief law enforcement officer of the U.S. government, has the responsibility to oversee it. In this role, the Attorney General ensures that it operates in line with U.S. laws and interests.

The Broader Impact

By supporting international law enforcement cooperation, it contributes to the global fight against crime. It enables U.S. law enforcement agencies to work more closely with their international counterparts. This joint effort can result in more crimes being solved and more criminals being brought to justice. In the end, this contributes to a safer world for all of us.

In conclusion, INTERPOL Washington plays an essential role in combating international crime. As the U.S. representative to INTERPOL, it facilitates communication, coordinates efforts, and enables access to crucial resources. By doing so, it supports the global mission of INTERPOL: preventing and fighting crime across borders.

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Last Modified: 05/26/2023

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