Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
SENIOR law enforcement officials from around the world, including Zimbabwe, are meeting in Lyon, France, for the International Criminal Police Organisation’s (Interpol’s) 21st annual Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) Conference, whose main aim is to shape the future of global policing.
The law enforcement leaders are also focusing on quality standards, database usage and leadership development.
Operating in each of Interpol’s 196 member countries, NCBs serve as the critical liaison between the global police organisation and national law enforcement, supporting direct information exchange and coordinated action across borders.
Nearly 300 delegates from 148 countries will explore responses to some of today’s most significant threats – global scam centres, the convergence of organised crime and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enabling criminal activity.
Zimbabwe has been a member of Interpol since November 13, 1980, and has been conducting joint operations with other member states to curb cross-border crimes.
Interpol president Lucas Philippe said, “Interpol exists to serve 25 million police officers worldwide. The strength of the network rests on the contribution of every member country.
“Every NCB that strengthens its practices, shares more and fully uses the tools at its disposal, advances the effectiveness of the entire organisation,” he said.
Interpol secretary general Valdecy Urquiza also said, “In a global police network, a gap anywhere is a vulnerability everywhere. The strength of the network depends on the performance of every NCB.
“When governments cannot find common ground, NCBs find a way to share information, coordinate investigations and get the job done. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Interpol stands by their side, supporting their work every day.”
The annual Heads of NCB Conference plays an important role in international police cooperation, enabling senior law enforcement officials to meet face-to-face with counterparts worldwide to build relationships, exchange experiences and coordinate on cases.
