Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4-minute read
12 June 2024 | 10:08 CAT

Image/ IOL

Dr Guy Lamb of the Department of Political Science at Stellenbosch University has accepted an invitation to serve on the Future Council of the International Criminal Police Organisation, commonly known as INTERPOL.

This follows the passing of a resolution at INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Vienna, Austria, at the end of 2023 to create a high-level expert council that could ensure that further implementation of the organisation’s Vision 2030 meets the law enforcement needs of INTERPOL’s member countries.

INTERPOL is an international peace organisation that deals with global organised crime and criminals travelling between countries.

The INTERPOL Red Notice alerts police worldwide about internationally wanted fugitives. A Yellow Notice is a global police alert to help locate missing persons. These notices alert police globally to individuals and entities subject to sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

“INTERPOL represents peace cooperation across between countries. Their vision 2030 is a recognition that the police need to try and understand other global phenomenon like different geopolitical factors. They need to take into consideration major changes and technology especially around AI in terms of crypto related crime and the impact climate change has on policing,” Dr Guy Lamb explains in an interview on Radio Islam International.

Over the past decades, the South African government and civil society have pursued various methodologies to combat, reduce and prevent crime and violence. The government also realised it needed a whole-of-society approach to deal with crime effectively. This ultimately led to compiling the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), which Cabinet approved in 2022. Dr Lamb has been a key player in these efforts. As a National Planning Commission (NPC) member, he works with government and non-governmental organisations to establish the most appropriate way to implement the ICVPS.

Although their names have yet to be announced, the other members of the Future Council will likely include experts from America, Europe and Asia. A formal public launch of the structure is anticipated in July 2024. The fact that INTERPOL includes academics such as Dr Lamb in this advisory structure is a recognition that the police need to draw on the expertise of researchers and scholars who can provide evidence-based insights into crime and its prevention.

Dr Lamb’s inclusion in the Future Council signifies his achievements and presents valuable opportunities for South Africa’s fight against crime. His engagement with diverse perspectives and international solutions will undoubtedly enrich his understanding of crime prevention, which he can then apply to his research and policy-related work in South Africa, particularly through his involvement with the NPC. This bodes well for the future of crime prevention in our country.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Dr guy Lamb here.