HARARE, Zimbabwe – INTERPOL has launched another in its series of regional training courses which will enable sub-Saharan countries in Africa to make full use of INTERPOL’s global police communications system, I-24/7.

The I-24/7 system provides member countries with immediate access to police data and secure electronic information exchange restricted exclusively to the INTERPOL community. It permits INTERPOL National Central Bureaus to search and cross-check information in a matter of seconds, with direct access to databases on suspected terrorists, wanted persons, fingerprints and photographs, DNA profiles, stolen motor vehicles, lost or stolen travel documents, works of art, etc.

Assisting African policing activities is a priority for INTERPOL. It is essential for global security that African law enforcement services are able to collaborate effectively with one another and with police services across the globe.

Police officers from a dozen countries have gathered in Harare for two intensive four-day courses. These officers will become certified I-24/7 trainers and have the important responsibility of delivering further training to colleagues upon returning to their respective countries.

To ensure that no member country is excluded from INTERPOL services for financial or technical reasons, INTERPOL has earmarked more than four million euros to ensure that all sub-Saharan African countries are connected to the system via satellite or other means as a matter of priority and are trained to use the system to its full potential.

Tanzania , Senegal and Zimbabwe were the first to connect to 1-24/7 by satellite, and the remaining 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa will be connected to the system shortly.

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with member countries on five continents.