NCJ Number
46871
Date Published
1977
Length
19 pages
Annotation
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZATION (INTERPOL) FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977 IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE U.S. RELATIONSHIP WITH INTERPOL IS SKETCHED. EARLY IN 1977, AN ARRANGEMENT WAS MADE BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF JUSTICE AND THE TREASURY TO SHARE REPRESENTATION AND OPERATING ACTIVITY. IN EACH MEMBER COUNTRY, A POINT OF CONTACT AND COORDINATION IS ESTABLISHED FOR THE INTERPOL FUNCTION. IN THE UNITED STATES, AUTHORITY FOR THE INTERPOL FUNCTION IS VESTED BY LAW WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE 126 COUNTRIES THAT CURRENTLY EXIST IN THE INTERPOL NETWORK, THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAUS, UTILIZE THE SUPPORT OF A PERMANENT ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL ORGAN -- THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT. SUPPORT FOR THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OCCURS IN THE FORM OF 'MEMBERSHIP DUES,' AND THE U.S. PAYS ABOUT 5.2 PERCENT OF THE OVERALL BUDGET. FUNDAMENTALLY, THE INTERPOL FUNCTION EXISTS AS A CATALYST TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT POLICE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE MEMBER COUNTRIES AND THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT. THE OPERATION OF THE U.S. NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU IS REVIEWED. THE INTERPOL WORKLOAD FOR FISCAL YEAR 1975 THROUGH 1978 IS ILLUSTRATED BY BAR CHARTS ON THE NUMBER OF CASES OPENED, CASES IN PROGRESS, AND CASES CLOSED. IN EVERY INSTANCE, THE WORKLOAD HAS INCREASED STEADILY FROM FISCAL YEAR 1975 TO FISCAL YEAR 1978. A PIE CHART DEPICTS INVESTIGATIVE REQUEST CATEGORIES BY PERCENT, AND A TABLE ENUMERATES THE TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS SENT AND RECEIVED BY MODE. DURING FISCAL YEAR 1977, THE UNITED STATES MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO 14 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA LISTED. THESE MEETINGS ARE A MAJOR STRENGTH OF INTERPOL, AS THEY BRING TOGETHER POLICE OFFICIALS VARIOUS MEMBER COUNTRIES TO ADDRESS MATTERS OF A BROAD INTERNATIONAL SCOPE. DURING FISCAL YEAR 1977, THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE CONDUCTED A STUDY OF THE PARTICIPATION OF THE U.S. WITH INTERPOL AND FOUND NO DISCLOSURE OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S PERSONAL HABITS OR POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. RECOMMENDATIONS WERE NEVERTHELESS MADE CONCERNING BETTER CONTROLS FOR INFORMATION REQUESTS; REPORTING OF CASE DISPOSITION BY FOREIGN BUREAUS; AND THE NEED FOR BETTER POLICY GUIDELINES FOR THE U.S. NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU INTERACTION WITH VARIOUS OVERSEAS U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, FOREIGN POLICE, AND FOREIGN NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAUS. THE U.S. HAS IMPLEMENTED THESE RECOMMENDATIONS. IN ADDITION, IMPROVED COORDINATION WAS EFFECTED WITH MILITARY INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES, RELATIVE TO THE ARREST ABROAD OF MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ARMED SERVICES BY FOREIGN POLICE FOR VIOLATIONS OF FOREIGN LAW. (DJM)