INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 190 member countries. Our role is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place. Our high-tech infrastructure of technical and operational support helps meet the growing challenges of fighting crime in the 21st century.
This is where you will find the latest news and multimedia from INTERPOL. Read our media releases, news stories and speeches; see the Organization in action through videos and photo galleries; and download our fact sheets, brochures and annual reports.
At INTERPOL today, we have a strong network of 190 member countries, each represented by a National Central Bureau and committed on a daily basis to international police co-operation.
Our global police communications channels and internationally recognized alert systems allow police around the world to share data instantly and securely. A 24-hour contact point and specialized teams provide targeted support to serious crime or disaster incidents.
Name and logo
Official name and abbreviations
The Organization's official name is "ICPO–INTERPOL".
The official abbreviation "ICPO" stands for 'International Criminal Police Organization'. In French this is "O.I.P.C.", which stands for "Organisation internationale de police criminelle".
The word "INTERPOL" is a contraction of "international police", and was chosen in 1946 as the telegraphic address.
Until 1956, the Organization was known as the International Criminal Police Commission.
The logo
The logo, in use since 1950, comprises the following elements:
- A representation of the globe, to indicate that INTERPOL's activities are worldwide;
- Olive branches either side of the globe to symbolize peace;
- The name "INTERPOL" below the globe in the centre of the olive branches;
- A vertical sword behind the globe, symbolizing police action.
- The abbreviations "OIPC" and "ICPO" above the globe either side of the sword;
- The scales below the olive branches symbolize justice.
The flag
The flag has been in use since 1950.
- It has a light-blue background;
- The logo is in the centre;
- The four lightning flashes arranged symmetrically around the emblem symbolize telecommunications and speed in police action.
Protection of INTERPOL's distinctive signs
As an international organization, INTERPOL's distinctive signs are protected by the 1883 Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Under the terms of Article 6 of this Convention, which has been ratified by the majority of INTERPOL's member countries, the signatory countries have agreed to refuse to register as trademarks and ban the use of coats of arms, flags, emblems, initials and names of states and intergovernmental organizations.
The Organization's logo and the name "INTERPOL" have, in addition, been registered as European Community and US trademarks.
Authorization to use INTERPOL's distinctive signs
In exceptional cases, the Organization may authorize a third party to use its distinctive signs. Authorization can only be given by INTERPOL's Secretary General.
In any event, authorization to use the organization's distinctive signs is limited:
- Authorization is given for a specific, identified project;
- The duration of the authorization is specified;
- Authorization does not confer any exclusive rights.
The signs may not be modified or adapted and, where appropriate, the media (documents, films, etc.) must be submitted to the Organization for approval before publication.
INTERPOL may automatically revoke the entitlement to use its distinctive signs if it transpires that the project is likely to prejudice its reputation or image.
