Interpol facts for kids
Interpol is the short form of International Criminal Police Organization. It began in 1923. Now, Interpol is the second biggest international organization; the United Nations is the biggest. Some important information about Interpol:
- Present Headquarters: Lyon, France
- Previous Headquarters: Saint Cloud, a town near Paris
- Total members: 184 countries
- Annual expenses: more than 30 million Euros - all member countries share the expenses
History
In 1923, Interpol begun its functioning from Austria. At that time, its name was International Criminal Police Commission (ICPM). During the Second World War, Nazi Germany controlled Austria. ICPM also came under Nazi control. They used it for collecting many types of information. After the Second World War, senior military men of Belgium, France, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom made many changes in ICPM. Thereafter, ICPM started to work in its new form.
Office
The Interpol General Secretariat is the main office of Interpol. The highest-ranking officer of Interpol is the president. Just below him, there is a secretary general. In 2001, about 384 persons from 54 countries worked in this secretariat. Earlier the working time was from 9 o’clock in the morning till 5 o’clock in the evening. Now, this secretariat works all 24 hours without any break. In 2001, Interpol could help in arresting or finding out about 1400 persons, generally criminals.
Method
Interpol does not take any political side in its work. It takes cases where the crime or the matter relates to more than one country. It looks after many types of cases. Some of them are note below:
- Terrorism
- Organized crime
- Illicit drug production
- Drug trafficking
- Weapons smuggling
- People smuggling
- Money laundering
- Financial crime
- High-tech crime
- Political corruption
Over the years, Interpol has developed a method of its working. Each member country keeps a special office. The name of this office in every member country is National Central Bureau (NCB). If necessary, Interpol contacts this office for getting information or for any other action. In turn, the National Central Bureau gets in touch with Interpol (on behalf of the member country) to ask for any assistance.
Interpol also has collected a large data about criminals and crimes. Such information includes information about illegal activities, lost and stolen passports and visas. Member countries may use the information. Officers of Interpol do not directly conduct any enquiry or investigation. This is always done through the policemen of the member country.
Interpol in culture
- Interpol has attracted attention of writers and movie directors. The organization has been depicted in many books, movies, and TV serials.
- There is a band called Interpol
Images for kids
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Interpol ID card (front)
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Former Interpol President Meng Hongwei pleaded guilty for accepting bribes over 14.5 million yuan or $2.11 million.
See also
In Spanish: Interpol para niños
