First International Criminal Police Congress held in Monaco. Police officers, lawyers and magistrates from 14 countries meet to discuss arrest procedures, identification techniques, centralised international criminal records and extradition proceedings.

Creation of the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on the initiative of Dr. Johannes Schober, president of the Vienna Police. Wanted persons notices first published in INTERPOL’s International Public Safety Journal.

The General Assembly, meeting in Berlin, proposes for each country to establish a central point of contact within its police structure, the forerunner of the National Central Bureau (NCB).

Resolution to establish NCBs adopted.

Specialised departments to deal with currency counterfeiting, criminal records and passport forgery established.

Following the death of Dr. Schober, new statutes put in place creating the post of Secretary General. The first was Austrian Police Commissioner Michael Skubl.

INTERPOL international radio network launched.

The Nazis assume control after deposing of Secretary General Michael Skubl. Most countries stop participating and ICPC effectively ceases to exist as an international organization.

ICPC falls completely under German control and is relocated to Berlin.

Belgium leads the rebuilding of the organization after the end of World War II. A new headquarters set up in Paris, and ‘INTERPOL’ chosen as the organization’s telegraphic address. Democratic process to elect the President and Executive Committee instituted. Present INTERPOL colour-coded notice system initiated and first Red Notices for persons wanted internationally issued.

The United Nations grants INTERPOL consultative status as a non-governmental organization .

Following the adoption of a modernised constitution, the ICPC becomes the International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL, abbreviated to ICPO-INTERPOL or just INTERPOL. The organization becomes autonomous by collecting dues from member countries and relying on investments as the main means of support.

Contributions of member countries revised and financial regulations adopted.

First regional conference held, in Monrovia, Liberia

The General Assembly sets out operating policies for NCBs.

The United Nations recognises INTERPOL as an intergovernmental organization.

A Headquarters Agreement with France recognises INTERPOL as an international organization.

General Assembly approves a revised Headquarters Agreement which mandates the creation of an independent body to monitor the implementation of INTERPOL’s internal rules in relation to data protection. This will become the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files in 2003.

INTERPOL moves its General Secretariat to Lyon, France.

The X.400 communication system launched, enabling NCBs to send electronic messages to each other and to the General Secretariat directly.

An automated search facility for remote searches of INTERPOL databases introduced.

INTERPOL Criminal Information System (ICIS) database created.

The I-24/7 web-based communication system launched, significantly improving NCBs’ access to INTERPOL’s databases and services. Canada is the first country to connect to the system. Database of stolen and lost travel documents launched.

A Command and Co-ordination Centre created at the General Secretariat, enabling the organization to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

INTERPOL liaison office inaugurated at the United Nations in New York and first Special Representative appointed.

First INTERPOL-United Nations Special Notices issued for individuals subject to UN sanctions against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.