What Is INTERPOL and How Does It Work?

To understand how INTERPOL works, it is important to know that INTERPOL is not an international police force. Formally known as the International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL, it helps police authorities in different countries cooperate on cross-border crime. It does not replace national police forces and does not operate as a supranational police agency. Instead, INTERPOL provides communication systems, databases, Notices and other tools that help law-enforcement authorities exchange information and coordinate investigations.

INTERPOL currently has 196 member countries. Each member country operates a National Central Bureau (NCB), which serves as the main link between domestic law-enforcement agencies, other NCBs and the INTERPOL General Secretariat.

How Does INTERPOL Work?

INTERPOL works through its network of National Central Bureaus and the General Secretariat. Member countries communicate through I-24/7, INTERPOL’s secure global police communications system.

Through this network, authorised law-enforcement users can exchange police information and access international databases. These databases contain information such as fingerprints, DNA profiles, facial images, stolen and lost travel documents, stolen vehicles and other crime-related data.

However, INTERPOL does not replace national legal systems. Police and judicial authorities in individual countries decide what action they may take under their own laws.

What Is a National Central Bureau?

Every INTERPOL member country hosts a National Central Bureau, commonly known as an NCB. The NCB connects national law enforcement with other member countries and with INTERPOL’s General Secretariat.

Thailand has an INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Bangkok and has been an INTERPOL member since 1951.

For the complete membership list, see our guide to INTERPOL member countries.

Where Is INTERPOL Headquarters?

INTERPOL’s General Secretariat headquarters are located in Lyon, France. The Lyon headquarters coordinates much of the Organization’s policing expertise and services and also serves as its administrative and logistical centre.

INTERPOL also operates other offices around the world, including the Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore and regional offices.