The organization began in 1923 as the International Criminal Police Commission. It developed its primary duties during the 1930s. Nazi control of the agency followed the German annexation of Austria in 1938. The organization stayed mostly inactive until World War II ended. It adopted its current name and a new constitution in 1956.
Interpol is not a law enforcement agency. Instead, it provides training, expertise and investigative support to national police forces. The organization focuses on cybercrime, terrorism and organized crime. It manages criminal databases and communications networks to help member states coordinate their efforts.
This cooperation is necessary because modern criminal networks operate across borders. These groups use global communications to hide their activities. Interpol allows different nations to share information to track suspects and stop transnational crime.
