INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization 

The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as INTERPOL, is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates international police cooperation to combat transnational crime and terrorism.

• Founding: INTERPOL was founded on September 7, 1923, as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Johannes Schober created it, then President of the Austrian police, and police leaders from 20 countries

• Headquarters: The organization’s headquarters moved to Berlin in 1938 but was transferred to Paris after World War II. In 1989, the headquarters relocated to Lyon, France, where it currently resides.

• Name Change: In 1956, the ICPC has officially renamed INTERPOL, a moniker that had already been commonly used to refer to the organization.

• Member Countries: INTERPOL currently has 194 member countries, making it the world’s largest police organization. It works closely with various international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union.

• Structure: INTERPOL is governed by the General Assembly, which comprises representatives from all member countries. The organization is led by the Secretary-General, Jürgen Stock, who oversees its day-to-day operations.

• Although INTERPOL is a politically neutral organization, it was briefly controlled by the Nazis during World War II.
• INTERPOL issues color-coded notices to help locate and apprehend criminals, with the most well-known being the Red Notice, which is a request for arrest and extradition.

• Effects on Pop Culture: INTERPOL has been depicted in numerous films, television shows, and books, often as an organization that pursues international criminals and solves complex cases. Some examples include the James Bond film series, the television show “White Collar,” and the novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown.

• Prominent People: Several key figures have been involved with INTERPOL over the years, including its founders Dr. Johannes Schober and Austrian police official Louis Duclairoir. Additionally, notable Secretary-Generals include Jean Népote (France) and Ronald K. Noble (United States).

In summary, INTERPOL is a vital global organization that plays a significant role in combating transnational crime and terrorism. Its founding in 1923 marked a new era of international police cooperation, and it continues to be a prominent player in global law enforcement. Its influence can be seen in various aspects of popular culture, highlighting the organization’s continued relevance and importance.