Interpol - A Century of International Policing and the Challenges Ahead

In case you missed INTERPOL's 91st General Assembly introduction, welcome to the deep dive of the press conference held in Vienna (November 27, 2023). As Samuel Heath, the Director of Communications at Interpol, opened the session, the air was electric with anticipation. This event marked the organization's return to its birthplace a century ago, in September 1923.

This assembly, a significant milestone in Interpol's history, brought together ministers, police chiefs, and senior law enforcement officials from around the globe. The occasion offered a unique platform for discussing today's most pressing crime issues, their international implications, and potential solutions.

Interpol Secretary-General Jürgen Stock kicked off the event by acknowledging the hospitality of the Austrian government, particularly General Director Franz Ruf and Director Andreas Holzer. He then emphasized the current epidemic of transnational organized crime, which is rapidly undermining societies, communities, and businesses across the globe. This issue, he stated, has become a global security emergency that calls for increased international cooperation, information sharing, and access to international systems for every police officer.

Interpol maintains 19 global databases to link and enrich information about crimes and criminals worldwide. These databases act as an early warning system against traveling terrorists and violent offenders. Several cases were cited to illustrate this system's efficacy, each demonstrating the power of international cooperation and the crucial role of Interpol's databases.

However, the databases do more than identify criminals; they also assist in identifying victims, particularly those unable to speak for themselves. One such example is Interpol's international child sexual exploitation database, which helps identify approximately 15 child abuse victims worldwide daily.

During the assembly, Interpol announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening international police cooperation and tackling organized crime. This call to action highlights the urgency of global coordination in combating transnational organized crime, a shared global national security crisis.Interpol's commitment to neutrality and independence was emphasized, with a promise to continue offering a trusted secure platform to keep police information flowing, even amidst geopolitical tensions. Each member country maintains control over the information it shares and determines its level of cooperation with other countries.

As Interpol prepares to enter its second century, the assembly proved that international police cooperation has never been more critical. In an increasingly fragmented world, Interpol remains an essential and dependable part of the global security architecture. The organization's ability to adapt to changing landscapes, tackle new challenges, and maintain its commitment to making the world a safer place is a testament to its enduring relevance and strength.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the 91st Interpol General Assembly. We look forward to sharing more insights and developments in international policing and crime prevention in future posts.

For the full video presentation, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwI14p9U4aE

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