NCJ Number
146735
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 71-82
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the development of a European policing strategy to battle organized crime.
Abstract
Europol was created largely to battle organized crime, through German initiatives presented to the Trevi group of the European Community. While there had been other international law enforcement initiatives in this area, there are no integrated intelligence systems at the European level. Traditional crime investigation experience is often lost when they are conducted on a case-by-case basis. Currently, there are only inadequate provisions to ensure good communications between police forces in the various European countries. There is also little, if any, coordination of special investigation methods, including surveillance, infiltration, liaison officers, or technical support. Europol gives added value by focusing on finding solutions for existing problems and needs in international law enforcement cooperation in combating organized crime. Europol should aim to include judicial added value, informative added value, development of expertise, quality investigative information, and promotion of cultural understanding. This author believes that Interpol and Europol can complement each other in fighting organized crime. 6 notes and 10 references