United States Participation in INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization

Gao ID: ID-76-77 December 27, 1976

A study of U.S. involvement in INTERPOL was conducted in response to questions on costs, authority for participation, and safeguards for U.S. citizens. GAO sampled information requests from the National Central Bureau, which serves as the center for communication with INTERPOL.

Requests from foreign and U.S. sources usually concerned suspected crimes, but most involved criminals with no prior criminal records. Requesters often did not furnish adequate documentation. FBI and other law enforcement agencies process requests of other INTERPOL bureaus, and have working relationships with foreign police. Information sent abroad by the Bureau did not include personal habits and political activities of Americans. After information was sent abroad, the Bureau was not advised of the outcome of cases.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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