Contrary to popular belief, INTERPOL is not a law enforcement agency. No one who works for INTERPOL has the power to make an arrest solely because they work for INTERPOL. In fact, INTERPOL is an international organization with the mission of advancing police cooperation on an international level. It is based on the sovereignty of its member nations and respects the independence of each country’s unique judicial and law enforcement systems.

Simply, INTERPOL is responsible for holding databases of nation-provided information, maintaining a structured communication system for messages between law enforcement agencies in different countries and for publishing notices, including the infamous Red Notice.