Buzz
It’s frequently referenced in spy thrillers, especially when a manhunt takes on a global scale. When local authorities need worldwide support, they reach out to the International Criminal Police Organization, also known as Interpol (sometimes written as INTERPOL).
But what exactly is Interpol? What are its capabilities? What are its limitations? Can it really link police forces from different nations? Here’s a hint: It’s not actually a law enforcement agency. Keep reading to uncover more about this elusive entity.
1. Interpol’s foundation was driven by ‘12 fundamental goals.’
The origins of Interpol trace back to 1914, when police from across the globe gathered in Monaco for the inaugural International Criminal Police Congress. The meeting was initiated by Prince Albert of Monaco, who sought advice on dealing with the thieves targeting his casinos. Representatives from 24 countries convened to exchange information—not just about the prince’s dilemma, but also to discuss what they referred to as the ‘12 aspirations’ for future law enforcement cooperation.
Among these aspirations were: enabling police departments to communicate directly with each other; utilizing free communication methods; adopting a universal language; providing training; establishing resources to identify criminals via fingerprints; centralizing records; and creating quick and efficient extradition procedures.
Many of these goals were realized when the International Criminal Police Commission, Interpol’s predecessor, was established in 1923 in Vienna by Vienna Police President Johannes Schober. Initially, 16 countries participated, and the number has since expanded to 195. The ICPC officially rebranded as Interpol in 1956.
2. They proposed Esperanto as a universal language.
One of the primary challenges in creating a global police network is communication. With so many different countries come a multitude of languages, often causing delays in urgent messaging. When Interpol was first envisioned in 1914, French was chosen as the working language, but there was also consideration for Esperanto as a potential future universal language. Created by L.L. Zamenhof in 1887, Esperanto was intended as an international auxiliary language to foster communication across borders.
Esperanto never gained traction, either as a global second language or as the primary mode of communication for Interpol. Eventually, the agency adopted Spanish (1955) and Arabic (1999), in addition to French and English.
3. World War II briefly halted Interpol's operations.
In 1938, the Nazis forced the removal of International Criminal Police Commission President Michael Skubl. This led to the withdrawal of most countries from the organization, which relocated to Berlin in 1942. During this period, much of the agency’s records were destroyed, and the Nazis exploited the ICPC’s resources for their own sinister purposes. After the war, Belgium played a key role in resurrecting the agency, moving its headquarters from Berlin to Paris.
4. The organization is structured around National Central Bureaus.
Rather than being a direct network of every law enforcement agency in participating countries, Interpol is organized through each country’s National Central Bureau (NCB), which collects and aggregates pertinent information from the region. When one country needs information about another, they contact the relevant NCB. These bureaus can exchange data and request help with international crimes, such as a wanted fugitive or cybercrime. Essentially, Interpol functions like an internet that specifically serves law enforcement.
5. An Interpol Red Notice spells trouble for criminals—and most of them aren’t seen by the public.
When a criminal is thought to have crossed international borders, law enforcement in the pursuing country can request a Red Notice—the most formidable and extensive 'wanted' notice in the world. Interpol bureaus are provided with details about the criminal’s identity, criminal history, and the crimes they are suspected or convicted of. (However, it’s not an arrest warrant: Capturing the criminal is still up to the authorities of the country.) The first Red Notice was issued in 1947 for a Russian citizen wanted for murdering a police officer.
While some Red Notices make headlines, the overwhelming majority are shared only within law enforcement circles. As of now, Interpol reports having around 69,270 active Red Notices, with only about 7,500 made available to the public. Interpol also reserves the right to deny any Red Notice request.
6. Interpol's headquarters was bombed in 1986.
On May 16, 1986, two explosions rocked Interpol's headquarters in St. Cloud, a suburb of Paris. Although no lives were lost, a police officer was injured. A terrorist group called Direct Action was found responsible, and several of its members were later arrested for their role in the bombing. (Today, Interpol is headquartered in Lyon, France.)
7. There are specific crimes that Interpol steers clear of.
Interpol’s mission statement aims for political and religious neutrality, which means it typically avoids getting involved in crimes that are rooted in ideological conflicts between nations.
Despite this stance, some Red Notices have been criticized for having political motives. In 2013, a Russian activist was arrested in Spain after Russia issued a Red Notice against him. His ‘crime’? Participating in a pro-environment demonstration. Spain ultimately refused to extradite him.
8. Interpol does not have its own police force.
A common misconception is that Interpol is a policing organization. In reality, there are no ‘Interpol police.’ The agency’s staff serve as intermediaries between law enforcement agencies. They do not have the authority to make arrests or conduct investigations. If someone presents themselves as an Interpol police officer, you should be cautious.
9. Interpol is not as large as you might imagine.
With its global presence, it’s easy to picture Interpol as a massive force of crime-fighters. In reality, it’s relatively small compared to major regional law enforcement bodies. In 2014, Interpol had around 650 employees, while New York City alone had 34,500 uniformed police officers.
10. Interpol helped dismantle a huge animal trafficking network.
In a textbook case of Interpol’s capabilities, the agency played a key role in coordinating a major crackdown on an animal trafficking ring in 2019. With support from the World Customs Organization and 109 countries, Interpol helped recover over 10,000 animals—including dolphins, lions, and birds—along with half a ton of ivory. The operation took place in Spain and Uruguay, resulting in 24 arrests.
