National Commissioner of the South African Police Service Bheki Cele (right) met with INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble to discuss security arrangements for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Commissioner Cele was given an overview of INTERPOL's global database and other vital police tools.

In a meeting with INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble, Commissioner Cele said that the structures in place as part of the security preparations across South Africa, combined with INTERPOL’s support, would provide a strong framework for ensuring the event passes as safely as possible.

“A great deal of work has already been done, not only by the South Africa Police Service, but also by our many partners, particularly INTERPOL to make certain that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a success,” said Commissioner Cele.

“With hundreds of thousands of people coming to South Africa from around the world, it is only logical that we work closely with INTERPOL, the world’s largest police organization to ensure that all involved in the world’s biggest sporting event enjoy themselves to the fullest, safe in the knowledge that their security is our main priority.”

As part of the security arrangements, all visitors to South Africa will have their travel documents automatically checked against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database, immediately alerting border control guards if an individual is attempting to enter the country using a fraudulent document.

This technical solution, called FIND – Fixed INTERPOL Network Database – installed in South Africa since 2007, provides frontline officers with direct access to the nearly 20 million travel documents reported stolen or lost to INTERPOL by 147 member countries.

Among the range of on-site technical and operational services being provided by INTERPOL is the deployment of an INTERPOL Major Events Support Team (IMEST) to South Africa, who will be able to carry out instant checks on individuals and suspect motor vehicles against INTERPOL’s global databases.

“The planning and preparation by the South African Police Service for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been exhaustive,” said INTERPOL’s Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.

“INTERPOL’s global tools will play an important role in supporting the security arrangements across South Africa, not only during this important sporting event, but for many years to come,” added Mr Noble.

INTERPOL has provided assistance for a range of major events across the globe, including the Beijing Olympics, the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship and the 2007 Cricket World Cup hosted by nine countries in the Caribbean.