Slovenia enhances policing capacity with nationwide automated access to essential INTERPOL databases

7 May 2009

Slovenia has given frontline police instant and automated access to INTERPOL’s global databases, enabling law enforcement officers throughout the country to obtain data on wanted persons, vehicles and stolen and lost travel documents (SLTD) in just seconds.

Frontline officers

As a key part of a strategy to boost national security and prevent criminal activity in Slovenia, no matter where a police officer is located – in a police car, on public transport - they can now immediately determine if a person is a potential threat to national security, making it even harder for criminals to escape detection in Slovenia.  

“Every Slovenian police officer can now access critical police data directly from international police sources.  This is without doubt an important contribution to the safety of our country and indeed that of the European Union and the wider global community,” commented Mr Janko Gorsek, Acting Director General of the Slovenian Police.

Strengthening borders

The integration of INTERPOL's databases into the Slovenian police network emphasizes the high priority of the government to protect borders and citizens from terrorists and other criminals, sending a strong message to the global criminal community that the chances of being identified and arrested in Slovenia are significant.

Improved national security

With all local police districts, and the police at each border crossing and international airport plugged into INTERPOL's databases 24 hours a day, the chances of locating missing persons are also considerably higher.

“By integrating INTERPOL's databases into Slovenia’s national police system, we have met one of INTERPOL's fundamental goals, which is to provide first line police officers with direct access to vital police information,” added Mr Dusan Kerin, Head of International Police Co-operation Division of the Criminal Police Directorate.

Critical security tool

One of the greatest security challenges police face in every country is the international mobility of criminals and terrorists who pose a threat to national security.  INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database which contains more than 18 million records submitted by more than140 countries, enables front-line police officers across the globe to prevent potential criminals and fugitives from entering their country using fraudulent documents.  In granting law enforcement officers on the street access to INTERPOL’s databases, Slovenia has significantly boosted its national security and increased the security of each of its citizens and visitors.