The INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore: A Personal Retrospective

Abstract

Aim: The article introduces the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore. It provides a survey of the facility’s genesis and development portraying the ambitious original vision for the IGCI to become firstly, a second headquarter for the INTERPOL General Secretariat (IGS), secondly, a cutting-edge research and development facility for police worldwide, and thirdly, an Asian hub for international police cooperation. Methodology: The author has used open sources supplemented by personal memories and insights of both former and current executive staff of the IGS. Findings: As the original vision for the IGCI has not been accomplished to date, three key factors are identified as crucial for its realisation: agreement, funding, as well as commitment. Value: The article assesses the added value of the IGCI for international police cooperation as well as its future potential.

Keywords

• INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation Singapore
• Cybercrime
• digital security and operational support
• Capacity building and training
• Police innovation