The INTERPOL General Assembly meeting at its 79^th session has voted unanimously and overwhelmingly in support of establishing the INTERPOL Global Complex (IGC) in Singapore. The agreement to establish the IGC was signed by Minister for Law and Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, and INTERPOL Secretary General, Ronald K. Noble on 9 November 2010.

 

2          The location of the IGC in Singapore reflects the significant confidence the international policing community has in the city state to play a key role in widening the reach of the INTERPOL organisation. The IGC will act as a complementary global central facility to the INTERPOL Headquarters currently located in Lyon, France. The key functions of the IGC will include:

 

a) Conducting cutting-edge research in the identification of crime and criminals;

b) Meeting the demand for technology, and innovation-based police capacity building; and

c) Enhancing INTERPOL’s capacity to provide 24/7 operational support across time zones.

 

3          Mr Shanmugam said that siting the IGC in Singapore was an important milestone for INTERPOL in its journey towards strengthening global policing capabilities. He added that Singapore was proud to be part of this historic project which will bring about greater safety and security for the Asia Pacific as well strengthening INTERPOL's capabilities worldwide in new areas. Mr Shanmugam said that Singapore was strongly committed to INTERPOL's vision of connecting police forces for a safer world. 

 

4          Mr Ronald K. Noble, the INTERPOL Secretary General, said that the decision to enhance INTERPOL’s presence in the Asia Pacific was made in view of the region’s status as the new centre of economic activity and the anticipated corresponding increase in criminal activity. INTERPOL had identified Singapore as the city state was a trusted hub with a huge presence of multinational corporations, and a strong R&D culture, as well as a highly-skilled talent pool.

 

5          The IGC is expected to eventually house some 300 staff, comprising both law enforcement officers seconded from police forces of INTERPOL member countries, and staff directly employed by INTERPOL.