Detective Chief Superintendent of Police, Madam Jenevieve Tity Cowan, the esteemed Head of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) National Central Bureau-Freetown, delivered an insightful lecture on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. Addressing a diverse group of police personnel from the Harbour Police Division, she delved into the intricate roles and responsibilities of her department concerning investigations, prosecutions, and extradition processes pertaining to individuals suspected of, or involved in, criminal activities falling under Interpol's jurisdiction.

Madam Jenevieve commenced her lecture by providing a concise historical overview of Interpol, tracing its inception back to 1923 in Vienna. Sierra Leone joined this prestigious organization on 7th September 1962, becoming one of its 196 member countries. Notably, Dakar serves as the West Africa Headquarters of Interpol, while its global offices are headquartered in Paris.

Expanding on the operational structure of Interpol, Madam Jenevieve emphasized the significance of each member country's National Central Bureau, which collaborates closely with counterparts worldwide. Unlike conventional law enforcement agencies, Interpol does not possess a dedicated police force but instead operates through collaborative efforts among member states.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mohamed Mahmoud Conteh, Head of Investigations at Interpol National Central Bureau, provided additional insights into the types of cases falling within Interpol's purview. These include a wide array of transnational crimes such as stolen motor vehicles, missing travel documents, match-fixing (identified as one of the fastest-growing global criminal enterprises), and bio-terrorism, among others. Describing Interpol as "the world police," Conteh underscored its pivotal role in assisting member states in combatting organized crime for the betterment of global security.

Furthermore, Conteh highlighted the importance of operating within the legal frameworks of both national and international laws governing member states. He elucidated that while certain actions may constitute criminal offenses in one jurisdiction, they may not necessarily be regarded as such in others, which could impact extradition proceedings.

During an interactive session that concluded the two-hour lecture, participants engaged in discussions regarding extradition protocols, with specific attention to the role of Sierra Leone's Attorney-General in the extradition process.

In closing, the commanding officer of the Harbour Police Division, LUC Kpulun, commended the invaluable nature of the lectures and advocated for the establishment of an Interpol office at the Freetown-East Regional Police Headquarters.

As Sierra Leone continues to bolster its law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation in combating transnational crime, initiatives such as these lectures serve as vital tools in enhancing knowledge, collaboration, and efficacy within the law enforcement community.