THE INTERPOL CONNECTION: An Inquiry into the International Criminal Police Organization

by Meldal-Johnsen; Trevor & Vaughn Young ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1979

The clearest parts of this confusing study are the Introduction correcting misconceptions about Interpol -- a private organization without arrest or investigative powers -- and the Constitution and Regulations at the end. In between, the authors present a mass of names, acronyms, and ""cases"" -- much of the data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and some of it intended to expose Interpol as something other than a handy clearing house for police information. Though the original Vienna-based Interpol ostensibly disbanded after Hitler's 1938 Anschluss of Austria, the authors contend that it continued to exist as a ""Nazi-dominated organization""; allegedly, 23 countries paid dues from 1939-43, one recent president was an ex-Nazi, and current officials are onetime collaborators. Elsewhere they maintain -- as if some connection existed -- that France ""has been dominating the world heroin market"" since Interpol headquarters moved to Paris; and point out, as pointlessly, that 112 nations cited for human rights violations are Interpol members. Most interesting are the details of Interpol's computerized files -- an international data bank looms; most consequential are the particulars on Interpol's failure to deal with terrorism as Arab members circulate information supplied by Israel. On the whole, however, Interpol emerges as a typical imperfect police organization, tied to corrupt politicians and shady intelligence networks. ""Interpol's activities need to be thoroughly examined"" by some justice-minded intergovernmental body, the authors reasonably conclude. If only the distance from introduction to conclusion were more of a straight line.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dial

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION