Aim: The aim of the study is to mark the centenary of the establishment of INTERPOL and underline the need for innovative approaches to international police cooperation.
Methodology: The study is based on the personal recollections of practitioner.
Findings: Effective tackling of global criminal challenges, in particular those emerging from technological advancements and globalisation, undoubtedly requires more networked international police cooperation not limited to national law enforcement bodies. International police cooperation and intelligence sharing structures have been continuously seeking an upgrade and agencies such as INTERPOL and Europol play a crucial role in facilitating the innovative process and adequate support to national law enforcement authorities. In this contribution, the author reflects about her experience as a member of the INTERPOL Executive Committee and as Executive Director of Europol looking at the recent transformation of international police cooperation, providing clues on the prevailing challenges and the need to identify innovative approaches to the fight against serious and organised crime through multi-disciplinary partnerships and engagements.
Value: The study shows the personal insider experiences of a senior police executive at national and international level (INTERPOL and Europol).