INTERPOL Washington Participates in INTERPOL’s Heads Conference

This week, INTERPOL Washington—U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—Director Michael A. Hughes led the U.S. delegation to INTERPOL’s 17th Annual Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) conference held in Lyon, France. NCBs are the backbone of INTERPOL, serving as the central points of contact between INTERPOL and its 195 member countries. INTERPOL is the world’s largest police organization.

Director Hughes participated in dozens of bilateral meetings with his counterparts enabling him to address common issues in fighting transnational crime. He also spoke to the conference during the session on “Global Threats: Corruption and Financial Crime.”

Because of the nature of transnational crime, U.S. participation in INTERPOL helps to provide U.S. Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement organizations with the tools they need to pursue criminal investigations across international borders. “The USNCB continues to make great strides in collaborating with domestic and international partners, constantly working to keep our families, our communities, our country, and the world safe,” said Director Hughes.

NCBs exchange information to assist in the investigation of criminal activity within their own countries, and they share criminal data and intelligence to assist other countries. They also contribute national crime data to INTERPOL’s global databases, in accordance with their respective national laws.

This annual meeting of NCB leaders from across the globe provides an opportunity for building relationships and facilitating cooperation among the Heads. NCBs provide important input into shaping INTERPOL's activities and plans. Many NCB heads also participate in INTERPOL’s annual General Assembly during which the membership votes on activities and policies. Director Hughes also serves on the Executive Committee, INTERPOL’s governing body, which provides guidance and direction between sessions of the General Assembly.

A component of the U.S. Department of Justice co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—is the designated U.S. representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General. It serves as the national point of contact and coordination for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies.