A better global police to counter emergent challenges

Source– The post is based on the article “A better global police to counter energent challenges” published in The Indian Express on 18th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Internal security

Relevance– Trans-national cooperation on policing

News- The article explains the trans-national nature of challenges for policing systems across different countries. It tells about the importance of Interpol and strategy to deal with the challenges in context of the general assembly meeting of Interpol.

What are trans-national challenges to policing?

There are sporadic instances of massacres, killings of young children due to the proliferation of gun culture. Exploitation and abuse of children and women is a big issue.

Human trafficking is prevalent. Financial crimes are high. Fugitives accused of terrorism and money laundering are provide safe heavens.

There is a proliferation of illicit trade based on counterfeiting and smuggling.

In a democratic polity, police forces have to act with restraint. They have to act within the boundaries of legal procedures. Lawbreakers enjoy the ease of mobility and access to the internet.

What is the importance of Interpol?

Interpol uses 19 databases and tools for issuing alerts, sharing information about criminals and their modus operandi. It has a huge repository of fingerprints, DNA profiles, facial recognition kits, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and property crimes.

It has undertaken various operations in different countries relating to the trafficking of women and children, cyber crimes, online piracy, spurious pharmaceuticals, narcotics smuggling, illegal gun trade, missing persons, stolen and lost travel documents.

Interpol issues colour-coded notices of various hues, red, yellow, blue, black, orange, green and purple. A large number of red corner notices have been issued at the request of Indian law enforcement. It has resulted in the detention of several accused and convicted fugitives.

What is the significance of the general assembly meeting of Interpol being held in Delhi?

India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and on the path to becoming the third-largest in the near future.

It has created a positive impact by bringing down terrorist-related violence. Moreover, India is now an acknowledged technology powerhouse.

This demographic dividend of a large and young technology-oriented workforce in startups can be utilised for upgrading the security architecture.

Indian skill development resources through capacity building programmes run by the CBI training academy are used periodically by the international police fraternity, particularly law enforcement agencies in Asia and Africa.

What is the way forward?Interpol, however, is required now to articulate an expansion beyond its databases and tools. There is a need for real-time dissemination of information obtained through usage of data analytics.

Equitable significance should be accorded to the legitimate interests of growing economies pursuing democratic charters.

Interpol is neither an investigative agency nor a front-line police force. It is mandated to share information and provide back-end technical assistance to law enforcement agencies. There is a need for commensurate actions from member states.

Interpol and law enforcement agencies of member nations must focus upon public-spirited efficient policing.