International Police

Interpol, short for the International Criminal Police Organization, was officially created in 1923 in Vienna, Austria, originally known as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC). The idea for an international police organization was born out of the first International Criminal Police Congress held in 1914. However, the outbreak of World War I delayed the establishment of the organization. In the early years, the ICPC focused on facilitating cross-border police cooperation and assisting in the tracking and extradition of fugitives. Its headquarters moved to Berlin in 1938, but the organization was effectively taken over by the Nazis during World War II, leading many member countries to withdraw their support. After the end of World War II, the organization was revived and restructured. In 1946, the ICPC was relocated to Paris and then finally settled in Lyon, France, in 1989. It was during this post-war period that it became commonly known as Interpol. Interpol has grown significantly since its early days. As of now, it has 194 member countries, making it the largest police organization in the world. Its primary role is to assist law enforcement agencies around the world in combating international crime, including terrorism, organized crime, trafficking, corruption, and cybercrime. Interpol operates under the principle of strict neutrality, prohibiting any intervention in activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character. It serves as a global platform for police cooperation, providing a range of services including databases of criminal information, secure communications channels, and operational support. The organization is governed by the General Assembly, comprising representatives from all member countries, which meets annually to make major decisions. The day-to-day operations of Interpol are managed by the Secretary General, currently held by Dr. Madeleine Boucher. Despite the challenges of policing in a globalized world, Interpol continues to adapt and evolve, remaining a vital force in the international fight against crime.

Founding Date

September 7, 1923

Type

Government, Law Enforcement

Alternative Names

Interpol

Subsidiary Organizations