NCJ Number
133126
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 64 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1991) Pages: 289-298
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
While criminal activity related to terrorism and drug offenses have focused attention on the international nature of serious crime, the situation in Europe as 1992 approaches adds a broader dimension to the challenges of international policing.
Abstract
This author maintains that strategies to combat the threat of international crime need to take into account the role of general agencies of law and order as well as specialist law enforcement units. In terms of a border-free Europe that will permit the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital, there is an immediate need to develop closer and practical interagency cooperation in the areas of customs, immigration, and police. Although it will take about 5 years to implement an effective system for the exchange of information and intelligence between countries through bilateral agreements, the policing of Europe cannot wait for the total harmonization of criminal legislation and resolution of practical issues including data protection. In the meantime, all possibilities of cooperation must be pursued. To fill this gap, the author proposes the establishment of a "Police Program for Europe" which would generate personal contacts between police officers, initiate the sharing of professional experience, develop common strategies for policing, and predict and identify major common policing problems.