HONG KONG – INTERPOL’s Strategic Advisory Panel (ISAP) has endorsed calls by the United Nations for greater international co-operation with the world’s largest police organization to combat transnational crime and terrorism.

The 10-strong panel emphasised the need for all member countries to implement the proposals for a wider and greater use of INTERPOL and its policing tools as outlined in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Key measures include better use of INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database and strengthening the effectiveness of the travel ban on groups and individuals associated with the Taliban through the issue of special INTERPOL-UN notices.

'The Strategic Advisory Panel is encouraging all steps necessary be taken to support the United Nations resolution calling for greater use of INTERPOL’s resources and tools as part of their global counter-terrorism strategy,' said ISAP Chairman, Lord John Stevens.

'The resolution also highlights the importance of private-public partnerships, and we in law enforcement know only too well that real results cannot be achieved by any one group or organization alone.'

In order to support the implementation of the UN resolution, the ISAP will also work to identify ways in which INTERPOL can obtain the resources required, and report back at their next meeting to be held at Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia in February 2007.

'The tools provided by INTERPOL in assisting law enforcement around the globe are gaining increased and deserved recognition, and the ISAP endorsement of the UN’s recommendations further underlines the organization’s unique position in law enforcement,' said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.

'Our achievements in helping member countries track and arrest criminals and terrorists around the globe are being acknowledged at the highest international level. National governments must now take the necessary steps to ensure that their police are given access to INTERPOL’s unique tools to better protect their citizens.

'The Strategic Advisory Panel members’ combined knowledge of policing issues around the globe continues to assist INTERPOL in its understanding and addressing the very different needs of local law enforcement.'

Created in March 2005 the ISAP has made a series of recommendations including the need for police chiefs to co-ordinate their work and share information beyond their borders and to support INTERPOL’s efforts in preventing terrorists from travelling internationally.

The panel includes former Commissioners of Police Tsang Yam Pui (Hong Kong, China); Franco Montealegre Callejas (Nicaragua); Francis Forbers (Jamaica); UN Under Secretary General for Safety and Security Sir David Veness; Judge Baltazar Garzon del Real of the Spanish National Court; Professor Dr. Abdulaziz Sagr Al-Ghamdi, President, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences; Dr. Gerry Lynch, President Emeritus of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York; Mrs. Abimola Jolaade Ojomo, former Deputy Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force; Jacques Franquet, Prefet and former Directeur Central de la Police Judiciare (DCPJ).