INTERPOL Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts that enable law enforcement in member nations to share important crime-related information.
Notices are issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau and are available in the Interpol Notices database for all member nations to review.
Interpol color-coded Notices allow governments to share alerts and information requests globally.
Notices can also be issued at the request of International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court to find those sought for crimes committed under their authority, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. They can also be issued at the request of the United Nations in regard to the enforcement of Security Council sanctions.
| Notice Type | Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Red | To seek the arrest or provisional arrest of wanted persons, with a view to extradition. |
| Blue | Blue | To locate, identify, or obtain information about individuals of interest in criminal investigations or to identify unidentified bodies. |
| Green | Green | To warn and provide information about individuals who have committed criminal offenses and are likely to repeat these crimes in other countries. |
| Yellow | Yellow | To locate and identify missing persons, especially minors or individuals unable to identify themselves. |
| Black | Black | To seek information about unidentified bodies. |
| Orange | Orange | To warn and provide information about potential threats from individuals, objects, or events that could harm public safety, security, or health. |
| Purple | Purple | To provide information about modus operandi, objects, devices, and concealment methods used by criminals. |
Most Notices are intended for police use and are not available to the general public. Nonetheless, if the requesting nation chooses to notify the public or seek their assistance, an excerpt from the Notice may be published on this site. All United Nations Special Notices are available to the public.
Interpol Notices serve as an essential tool in international efforts for law enforcement cooperation, providing valuable assistance in the global fight against crime. These Notices encompass a range of purposes, from seeking the location and arrest of fugitives to sharing information about potential threats. For example, the widely recognized Red Notice alerts authorities worldwide about internationally wanted persons, ultimately facilitating their rapid apprehension. Additionally, Blue Notices seek information regarding individuals’ identities or activities related to a crime, while Green Notices are issued to warn about potential threats from criminal organizations or individuals. Similarly, Yellow Notices aid in locating missing persons, especially those who may be vulnerable, and Black Notices provide data on unidentified bodies. Furthermore, Orange Notices serve as general warnings about imminent threats or criminal events, while Purple Notices aim to centralize information about modus operandi, objects, or devices utilized by criminals. Ultimately, these Interpol Notices play a vital role in strengthening the international community’s ability to pursue and dismantle criminal enterprises, promoting a safer world for all.
Let’s recap:
Interpol Diffusions represent a critical tool in contemporary law enforcement and global security, as they enhance communication and collaboration between international police organizations. These vital alerts enable Interpol’s 194 member countries to rapidly disseminate information pertaining to criminal investigations, ranging from the identities of wanted persons to the tracing of missing persons, assets, or even threats. Given the increasing complexity of transnational criminal enterprises and the potential threats they pose to international peace and stability, the role of Interpol Diffusions cannot be underestimated. By consolidating intelligence across borders and jurisdictions, these alerts empower frontline officers with the necessary insight to proactively identify, track, and apprehend persons of interest, ultimately contributing to a safer, more secure global community.
Wanted persons diffusions published per year
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,048 | 15,763 | 15,697 | 13,618 | 12,940 |
INTERPOL has revealed statistics for the first time that offers crucial insight into how it runs its system of Red Notices and Wanted Person diffusions. According to the statistics, the international police agency deletes or rejects 1,000 Red Notices and Wanted Person diffusions per year. Almost half of these are rejected on human rights grounds or because they breach INTERPOL’s neutrality. Fair Trials applauds the publishing of this data, having long urged INTERPOL to be more transparent about how their systems operate.