What is Interpol?

Interpol stands for International Police Organization. The commission facilitates various forms of international police cooperation. It was referred to as the International Criminal Police Commission until 1956 when it changed its name to Interpol. 

Membership of Interpol is comprised of police forces from 194 countries. Most of Interpol’s budget is funded by contributions from its member countries. Interpol had 756 employees representing 100 member countries by the end of 2013.

Interpols main tasks include focusing on public safety and tackling transnational crimes against humanity such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, genocides, war crimes, money laundering and many other crimes against humanity. It is not allowed to engage in political, military, religious or any activity that may be seen to be political, military, religious, racial, or involving the agency. 

Interpol depends highly on the local law enforcement agencies, as it does not have jurisdiction to make arrests. It must work with local authorities to make arrest. It does this primarily by providing intelligence to the local enforcement agencies of member countries.

Interpol Constitution

Article 2 clearly defines Interpol’s role; To ensure and promote the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities within the limits of the laws existing in the different countries and the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sub article two; To establish and develop all institutions likely to contribute effectively to the prevention and suppression of ordinary law crimes.Article 3 stresses the importance of neutrality when dispatching its duties. It states that It is strictly forbidden for the Organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.