ABSTRACT
The importance of linkages to International Policing structures is often overlooked by those considering policing activities in England and Wales. This chapter explores the growing importance of such organisations, as globalisation has increased the need for co-ordination, exchange of information and intelligence, and tackling common problems has become evident for police in all countries. Therefore the role, functions and activities of such agencies are important to understand. Dividing such agencies into two separate groups, namely international policing agencies, such as Interpol, and regional policing agencies such as Europol, an introduction to their role is explored. In addition, a discussion on the role and function of the role of the United Nations Police is introduced as it moves from being a purely peacekeeping function, to a having more proactive peacebuilding approach. These issues permeate downwards to the local policing level, through the national policing structures.
