NCJ Number
54856
Journal
International Review of Criminal Policy Issue: 34 Dated: (1978) Pages: 93-97
Date Published
1978
Length
5 pages
Annotation
INTERPOL'S PURPOSES, ACTIVITIES, AND RELATIONSHIP TO THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
INTERPOL WAS FOUNDED IN 1923 AS A NONGOVERNMENTAL, CONSULTATIVE ORGANIZATION. IN 1971 A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL CHANGED INTERPOL'S STATUS TO THAT OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION. THE GOAL OF INTERPOL IS TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CRIME. THIS GOAL IS ACCOMPLISHED PRIMARILY THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION--DESCRIPTIONS OF PERSONS, PHOTOGRAPHS, FINGERPRINTS, WANTED NOTICES--AMONG MEMBER STATES. INTERPOL HEADQUARTERS CIRCULATES, BY RADIO BROADCAST AND WRITTEN NOTICE, INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL OFFENDERS THROUGH A NETWORK OF NATIONAL INTERPOL BUREAUS. INFORMATION EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES HAVE FOCUSED ON CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS, THEFT, INTERNATIONAL FRAUD, CURRENCY COUNTERFEITING, AND ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFIC. IN ADDITION TO FACILITATING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, INTERPOL SERVES AS A FORUM FOR THE STUDY AND ADVANCEMENT OF POLICING METHODS. THE ORGANIZATION SPONSORS CONFERENCES, CONDUCTS STUDIES, AND ISSUES PUBLICATIONS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND OTHER ASPECTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. INTERPOL TRAINING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SYMPOSIA, SPECIALIZED TRAINING COURSES, AND A PRACTICUM PROGRAM AT INTERPOL HEADQUARTERS. INTERPOL COOPERATES WITH SEVERAL UN ORGANS, INCLUDING THE DIVISION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, THE CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE BRANCH, THE COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, THE DIVISION OF NARCOTIC DRUGS, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION, AND THE EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION. (LKM)