NCJ Number
120626
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 16 Issue: 9 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 34-36
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Interpol, founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1923 to focus on international white collar crime, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and major thefts, is an intergovernmental organization that today comprises 146 member nations.
Abstract
Following World War II, the organization, which had been devastated during the war, was reinstituted and moved from Vienna to Paris. In 1989, the central headquarters was moved to Lyons, France. In its dealing with the member nations, Interpol must be careful not to become involved in political, religious, military, or racial incidents. The organization deals with international terrorism by classifying such acts as "Violent Crimes by Organized Criminal Groups." While Interpol's role has always been that of a police organization, in 1984, its General Assembly met to discuss the possibility of adding international terrorism to the agenda. In 1986, the General Assembly adopted guidelines to combat international terrorism and foster cooperation among the member States; the following year, a specialized antiterrorism unit was created to study ways in which Interpol could best serve its members while working within the new guidelines. Because of member cooperation, Interpol can keep information on international terrorists and their modus operandi constantly updated. Among the services provided to member nations are informative symposia and assistance in extradition. Concern over the increasing illegal international trafficking of drug and narcotic substances has resulted in enhanced international cooperative efforts; these efforts led to the dismantling of one major criminal organization with links throughout Europe, the U.S., and Brazil. However, Interpol does not possess the infrastructures necessary to deal with the ever-growing illicit drug business.