Interpol

ICPO-Interpol Lione

Meng Hongwei

Interpol (Logo)

Interpol, officially known as the International Criminal Police Organization, is an intergovernmental organization facilitating international police cooperation. It was established as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) in 1923 and adopted its telegraphic address as its common name in 1956.

History

Interpol was created in 1923 in Monaco at the first International Criminal Police Congress. The initiative to form the organization came from Johann Schober, the then President of the Vienna Police Department. Its primary aim was to assist international criminal police cooperation based on mutual support and respect, without interference in the domestic affairs of member countries.

Structure

The organization's headquarters is located in Lyon, France, and it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Interpol provides a range of policing expertise and capabilities, supporting three main crime programs: counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and organized and emerging crime.

General Assembly

The General Assembly is Interpol's supreme governing body, comprising representatives from all member countries. It meets annually to make decisions on policy, resources, working methods, finances, and activities.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee, elected by the General Assembly, provides guidance and direction to the organization. It is composed of the President, three Vice-Presidents, and delegates from member countries.

Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is the chief full-time official of Interpol and is responsible for the day-to-day work of the organization. The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly for a five-year term.

Functions and Capabilities

Interpol's functions include issuing Red Notices (alerts to track and arrest wanted persons), sharing criminal intelligence, facilitating cross-border police cooperation, and providing a secure global police communications network known as I-24/7.

Membership

As of the last update, Interpol has 194 member countries, making it one of the largest international organizations in terms of membership. Each member country maintains a National Central Bureau (NCB), which acts as the contact point for Interpol's network and other member countries.

Controversies and Criticisms

Interpol has faced criticism for several issues, including allegations of political misuse of its services, particularly the issuance of Red Notices against political opponents and refugees. The organization has taken steps to implement safeguards and review mechanisms to address these concerns.

See Also

• Law enforcement
• International law
• Cybercrime
• Terrorism