NCJ Number
191726
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: Autumn 2001 Pages: 283-290
Date Published
2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes recent developments in European police cooperation, as well as judicial cooperation.
Abstract
In law enforcement terms, Europe can be considered as being made up of a series of concentric and overlapping circles. This is because almost all European countries are member countries of Interpol, the World Customs Organization, the United Nations, and the European Union. There are overlapping institutional sources, territorial remits, functional specializations, and strategic emphases. Basic political developments influence international law enforcement cooperation more and more. These include moving from a thematic towards a more generally-oriented approach to crime; the rising interest in human rights in general, and privacy interests in particular; and moving from a limited police towards a global police and justice cooperation. There is a growing influence of intergovernmental based new developments based on a rather complex, and sometimes confusing, patchwork of institutions. Universal jurisdiction refers to the assertion of jurisdiction over offenses, regardless of the place where they are committed or the nationality of the perpetrators. Preventing and combating organized crime are the main reasons for new and more professional ways of improved horizontal cooperation. Vertical enforcement is the exception and remains limited to “war” situations. The abolition of border control remains the main reason for the creation of intense police and justice cooperation. The European Union Member States are not prepared to carry out cross-border operations. 2 footnotes, 11 references