INTERPOL: A Primer

Abstract

Since its formation, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has remained steadfast in its mission and objectives.  Interpol has always been a non-governmental organization that promotes law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing among member countries.  Interpol does not have authority to investigate violations of law, and it does not intervene in activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character.  In the post-9/11 environment, law enforcement agencies from across the globe have come to increasingly rely on Interpol as a repository of intelligence.  Interpol is able to succeed as an organization in part because of its relatively narrow focus.  The organization is able to avoid the significant political and ideological differences between member countries, such as between the United States and China, by having a single goal of combating crime.