International   

Interpol seeks public’s help to nab culprits

TOKYO: Interpol, the global crime fighting body that links police forces from 186 countries, is looking for more help — yours.

After unprecedented international calls for assistance in tracking down two suspected paedophiles triggered a media frenzy and public tips that led to quick arrests, the organisation’s chief said on Friday it may soon go public again, this time for help with a network of jewellery thieves known as the “Pink Panthers.”

“There is one guy who is one of the ring leaders if you will, who we’re considering using it on,” said Interpol Secretary-General Ronald Noble in Tokyo, where he addressed justice and home affairs ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) nations.

The International Criminal Police Organisation was formed in 1923 to foster cooperation among police forces from different countries. Based in Lyon, France, it has long preferred to work behind the scenes, giving it a clandestine and mysterious image.

But it is now actively seeking attention from the public, especially via the global media.

“We have a public relations strategy now that looks at the media as a potential partner,” said Mr. Noble said, adding: “Before, we wouldn’t have returned their phone calls.”

He said the new approach has led to more media coverage of the agency in the last four years than it had in all of its earlier history.

The publicity, and an increased presence on the Internet, is partially aimed at enlisting the help of everyday citizens in bagging criminals who are otherwise hard to locate. — AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Japan quake leaves 6 dead, 140 injured
Judges’ panel: ease visa restrictions
G8 expresses concern over rising food, oil prices
Europe to press ahead despite Ireland vote
No safe exit for Musharraf: Sharif
Iran lukewarm to E.U.’s new proposals
No negotiations unless LTTE disarms, says Rajapaksa
Interpol seeks public’s help to nab culprits
Hamas agrees to ceasefire
Iranian guards abducted
Ancient Beijing sites re-open after renovation

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu