NCJ Number
175868
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 67 Issue: 12 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 10-16
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the structure and resources of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), with attention to how it assists in U.S. law enforcement agencies in their work.
Abstract
INTERPOL is not an international police force, has no police powers of its own, and does not have its own independent agents or officers. It facilitates the interaction and cooperation of police agencies in nations around the globe. Now headquartered in Lyon, France, INTERPOL helps local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies coordinate their investigations with the world, rapidly obtain information, and seek the return of fugitives or stolen property. INTERPOL conducts these tasks within the framework of treaties and international law, but effectively accomplishes them in most cases because the member nations have agreed to the methodology established by INTERPOL. INTERPOL connects its worldwide offices through a secure communication network that enables confidential and instantaneous handling of messages and leads for international criminal investigations. Its headquarters also operates the Automated Search Facility. This system allows the National Central Bureau in each country to search for international records on people. Located in Washington, D.C., the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNBC) houses individuals detailed from all the major Federal criminal investigative agencies, as well as numerous other professional personnel. For local and State agencies to best use INTERPOL's resources, the USNBC suggests that agencies review outstanding warrants and other cases for those whose subjects may have some international connection. This article details the steps for agencies to use in availing themselves of the resources available from INTERPOL to pursue such subjects.