Interpol (agency)

Guide Note

International Criminal Police Organization (ICP), also known as Interpol, is the largest international police agency in the world. Interpol investigates crimes that overlap several of its member countries. The do not investigate political, racial or religious crimes. The primary focus of Interpol is public safety and enforcing the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fast Facts

1. Membership: 186 states
2. Secretary General: Ronald Noble
3. Headquarters: Lyon, France
4. Staff: 502
5. Budget: About 41.7 million Euros (2005)

Interpol was founded in Austria in 1923. In 1945, after World War II ended, ICP moved its headquarters to St. Cloud, France. In 1989 they moved to Lyon, France, where they are currently located.

Interpol's is governed by a general assembly that meets annually and is comprised of delegates appointed by each member country. The assembly reviews finances, activities, policies and programs.

An executive committee consists of 13 members who have been elected by the general assembly. The executive committee elects one president, three vice-presidents, and nine delegates.

The General Secretariat office is open 24 hours a day, and seven days a week in Lyon, France. Officials from 80 countries work together. There are six sub regional bureaus throughout the world.

Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB). The General Secretariat office contacts each individual bureau when requiring assistance with international investigations.