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International Law Enforcement and the United States: An Outside View

NCJ Number
190843
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 75-77
Author(s)
Jayanto N. Choudhury
Date Published
August 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines some attempts at international policing and the possible role of United States law enforcement entities .
Abstract
The United States has more global connections than any other country because of the reach of its transnational economic links and the flow of immigrants from all over the world. The richest and most open economy in history is also a natural target for criminals from every country. Policing models developed to track criminals within particular countries are proving inadequate to deal with transnational crime. Interpol serves as a forum for exchanging information and as a place where law enforcement agencies from nearly all countries can meet. United Nations agencies are increasingly involved in supporting law enforcement in many countries to promote acceptable quality-of-life standards. Global institutions such as the World Bank have recognized the need for an international law enforcement perspective, as fraud is common in the diverse cultures in which it operates. Regional and bilateral cooperation is growing, and countries such as the United States and Britain have international programs to support better policing in areas where they have strategic or economic interests. The article suggests that, at the operational level, more should be done to strengthen informal networking through forums like the International Association of Chiefs of Police and focus on bilateral and regional coordination at the government level.