Interpols

Interpols is not an official term for the organization or its staff. The organization is known as INTERPOL (the International Criminal Police Organization). In common usage, people refer to INTERPOL personnel or INTERPOL officers when discussing the people who work for the organization. INTERPOL’s purpose is to facilitate international cooperation among police forces to combat transnational crime.

INTERPOL was established in 1923 as the International Criminal Police Commission and adopted the name INTERPOL in 1956. It operates internationally to support police cooperation, information sharing, and joint investigations. The organization is headquartered in Lyon, France, and coordinates through its member states.

The governance structure comprises a General Assembly, which includes representatives from member countries, and an Executive Committee that oversees strategic matters. The Secretary General leads the organization and directs day-to-day operations. National Central Bureaus (NCBs) exist in each member country to act as the primary liaison with INTERPOL, handling requests, notices, and data exchange.

INTERPOL’s core functions include providing secure communications channels, maintaining searchable databases, and issuing notices to assist member countries in locating and identifying criminals. The organization supports operational investigations in areas such as organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime, and corruption. It also offers training, expert analysis, and rapid-response capabilities to member states.

INTERPOL does not possess its own arrest powers or police authority. It relies on member countries to act on requests and warrants. While it promotes cross-border cooperation and data-sharing, INTERPOL must operate within national laws and human rights protections, balancing security objectives with due process.