The FBI, a U.S. law enforcement agency, operates domestically, while Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, facilitates global police cooperation. The key distinction lies in the FBI’s focus on U.S. operations and Interpol’s international scope. Both agencies aim to solve crimes but differ in structure, operational methods, and case types.
INTERPOL, an international organization, facilitates global law enforcement information exchange but lacks arrest or prosecution powers. It assists agencies like the FBI in identifying and prosecuting criminals. The FBI, focusing on federal crimes in the U.S., including terrorism and cybercrime, often collaborates with local police.
Interpol, unlike the FBI, focuses on international police cooperation, sharing information about criminals and missing persons, and providing communication channels among member countries. It also offers training and technical support to police forces, including forensics. Furthermore, INTERPOL can issue and process red notices, serving as international arrest warrants, at member countries’ requests.
When do INTERPOL and the FBI Collaborate?
INTERPOL and the FBI collaborate under these conditions:
- When either organization receives a request for international investigation assistance, they share relevant information such as documents, witness statements, and crime-related details.
- They exchange information on specific cases where one agency needs the other’s assistance, which may include witness statements, DNA samples, or fingerprints.
- INTERPOL’s database, which collects information on criminal cases from member countries, aids in identifying related cases across borders.
- If a criminal flees to the U.S. after committing a crime in another country.
- When an American citizen commits a crime abroad and the foreign country seeks their extradition for trial or punishment.
What Are the Differences between the FBI and Interpol?
The FBI, America’s federal law enforcement agency, investigates federal crimes, counter-espionage, and counter-terrorism within the USA. It also offers training and forensic services to local law enforcement agencies and combats various crimes including public corruption, organized crime, white-collar, and violent crime. It operates under U.S. government oversight. In contrast, INTERPOL, an independent international organization, is funded by member countries and has different authority, jurisdiction, and objectives.
Interpol – an international organization, coordinates police activities and shares information on criminals and their activities globally. It functions as a communication platform for member countries’ law enforcement agencies. In the USA, Interpol’s operations involving American citizens are subject to specific limitations.
Useful articles you should read:
- Interpol Most Wanted List
- International Arrest Warrant
- Non Extradition Countries
- Can You Get Arrested at the Airport?
- Can You Fly if You Have a Warrant?
