INTERPOL is on the cusp of a new chapter. In 1923, when a group of international policing leaders came together in Vienna to found the International Criminal Police Commission (which later became INTERPOL) the challenges faced by the policing world were much different than the ones we are facing today.
INTERPOL has grown from a 22-member organisation to a global organisation representing 195 countries.
As the first Arab police officer to hold the role of INTERPOL President, Dr. Al-Raisi is working to ensure that all member countries’ voices are heard, particularly those that have been traditionally underrepresented.
Stemming from his background helping to transform police forces in the UAE, Dr. Al-Raisi holds the modernization of INTERPOL as a top priority. Through rapid digital transformation, INTERPOL can outpace the evolving criminal landscape. A modern INTERPOL can also support its National Center Bureaus (NCBs) to transform as well.
In an interconnected world, close partnership and cooperation amongst policing agencies is key. Starting within INTERPOL, Dr. Al-Raisi is focused on enhancing collaboration and setting the structures in place to tackle transnational crime. Member countries contributing to and using INTERPOL’s database is a key element of strengthening cooperation.
Dr. Al-Raisi’s vision for a modern INTERPOL emphasises an agile, diverse, and transparent organisation.
The role of the President of INTERPOL is to foster collaboration between INTERPOL’s governance bodies and facilitate dialogue during the organisation’s General Assembly and Executive Committee meetings.
As President of INTERPOL, Dr. Al-Raisi chairs the meetings of the Executive Committee, of which he is a member himself. The role of the committee is to prepare the General Assembly’s meeting agenda and supervise the execution of its decisions. Along with other Executive Committee members, Dr. Al-Raisi also raises strategic priorities at the General Assembly for delegates’ consideration.
The President of INTERPOL presides at the annual INTERPOL General Assembly, the event in which resolutions, programs and recommendations are discussed and voted on by member countries.