NCJ Number
205730
Date Published
2003
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report presents an interview conducted with Professor Cyrille Fijnaut from the Netherlands in 2002 on police cooperation in Europe and organized crime.
Abstract
Professor Cyrille Fijnaut is known as a leading figure in Europe in regards to policing issues, such as police cooperation in Europe and organized crime. In June 2002, an interview was conducted with Professor Fijnaut on organized crime and police cooperation in the European Union. This report presents this interview which consists of a question-answer format with more than 20 questions and answers. The interview begins with a discussion on border issues with the European Union, in particular the intensity of border controls and the forms of police cooperation. The establishment of Europol is reviewed which is limited to the exchange and analysis of information but offers police cooperation as a more operational mechanism. The idea of joint teams is presented with obstacles faced in different training, the difference in legislative power, and the incompatibility of the systems. The professor states that if cooperation is wanted, to some extent there is the need to organize harmonization, and harmonization to some extent will be the consequence of cooperation. In addition to cooperation within the European Union, the sharing of information is discussed in the context of what it means for police officers. The issue of sharing information is noted as not only related to the security of informers and to the interest of proceedings, but also trust with integrity. Lastly, the interview turns to organized crime and the impact of organized crime in Canada. The professor states that an organized crime problem should not be isolated. It should not be labeled as a criminal law problem. To contain organized crime, there must be close cooperation between administrative and judicial authorities. All should be involved or the problem cannot be controlled.