21 November 2008
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INTERPOL European Conference urged to think globally
The need for law enforcement agencies throughout Europe to further develop relationships with their counterparts in Asia, the Americas and Africa was underlined as essential to ensure the fast and effective exchange of information to better protect their borders and citizens. ‘While there are specific regional issues, it is important that the law enforcement community does not lose sight of the fact that many of the threats they face come from other parts of the world,’ said INTERPOL Vice-President for Europe, Rodolfo Ronconi. ‘A key theme of this conference has been the need for increased co-operation, not only between police officers, but with all organizations and agencies which have a role to play in combating crime. ‘Communicating vital police information as quickly as possible has also been underlined by delegates as crucial, with countries encouraged to expand access to INTERPOL’s databases in order to achieve this.’ Delegates at the three-day conference in Varna, Bulgaria, agreed on a series of measures aimed at enhancing co-operation and effectiveness, both regionally and internationally. An area where improved communication was recognised as vital was the need for the creation of international protocols to alert law enforcement following prison breaks by terrorists and dangerous criminals. Delegates recommended that each National Central Bureau nominate a Fugitive Investigative contact point to provide the General Secretariat and other countries with the identification details of fugitives following an escape. The significant contribution to border security through the expansion of access to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database was also recognised by participants. However, delegates stressed the need for member countries to provide a swift response to any hits generated by checks against the information contained in the database. ‘Verification of a travel document against INTERPOL’s SLTD database can be done instantly, but without the necessary follow-up action, this information cannot be properly used,’ said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble. ‘By ensuring there is a quick response to any hits from the countries involved, officers performing the checks can make the best informed operational decisions in situations where time is of the essence.’
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