Opinion – The role of police diplomacy in the fight against transnational crime

In an era where borders seem more porous than ever and criminal networks spread seamlessly across continents, the fight against transnational crime is no longer limited to traditional law enforcement approaches.

A new frontier has emerged, one that transcends territorial limitations and embraces a more sophisticated, collaborative effort: police diplomacy. Without this crucial tool, no country can adequately address the complex challenges of international crime. In this paper, I explore the crucial role that police diplomacy plays in combating transnational crime.

Police diplomacy refers to the strategic use of international cooperation among law enforcement agencies to foster partnerships, share intelligence, coordinate operations, and create a united front against crimes that cross borders. It is also important to note that while traditional diplomacy is often reserved for political or economic agendas, police diplomacy focuses on criminal justice, security, and law enforcement as a means to protect both national and international security.

The concept of police diplomacy is not entirely new, although it has evolved considerably over time. Historically, bilateral police cooperation between countries was the norm. Agreements between neighbouring countries, such as the 19th century Anglo-French cooperation to tackle cross-border smuggling, laid the foundation for modern police diplomacy. But as criminal networks became more sophisticated and far-reaching, these bilateral agreements proved insufficient.

A notable turning point came in 1923 with the creation of Interpol, an international organization designed to facilitate international police cooperation. Interpol exemplifies the earliest form of structured police diplomacy, creating a global network through which law enforcement agencies could share information and coordinate cross-border operations.

Police diplomacy has become increasingly institutionalized over time, moving from simple bilateral exchanges to a multilateral system with standardized frameworks supported by international law.

In the SADC region, police diplomacy has been a crucial mechanism to address issues such as human trafficking, drug trafficking and wildlife poaching: crimes that transcend national borders and threaten regional stability. The establishment of SARPCCO in 1995 marked a turning point for regional police diplomacy.

By promoting cooperation among its 16 member states, SARPCCO has undoubtedly become an important platform for harmonising policies, sharing intelligence and coordinating joint operations against criminal networks operating in the SADC region.

A striking example of successful police diplomacy in SADC is the targeting of human trafficking networks that cross multiple borders. Africa is joining forces on the continent to dismantle a network responsible for smuggling women and children across Africa for forced labor through several operations. These operations, orchestrated by police diplomacy, highlight the importance of continental cooperation, confidence building and a shared commitment to tackling transnational crimes.

On the global stage, police diplomacy is a cornerstone of United Nations peacekeeping missions. Law enforcement officers are often deployed to fragile or post-conflict areas under UN mandates, tasked with stabilizing communities, rebuilding local police forces, and fostering international cooperation to tackle crime in politically unstable environments.

In this regard, UN police officers act as diplomats and peacekeepers, bridging the gap between local authorities and international efforts to restore law and order. A notable example of the impact of police diplomacy can be seen in the role of UN police officers in supporting local police efforts to combat armed militias, human trafficking, and the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

In addition, through diplomatic efforts and cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, the international police community has been able to share best practices, provide technical support and build confidence among stakeholders in conflict areas.

At the global level, Interpol remains the most visible example of police diplomacy in action. With 196 member states, Interpol’s success depends on its ability to navigate the complex diplomatic terrain between countries, each with its own laws, priorities, and political interests. Interpol’s role in coordinating global efforts against cybercrime and terrorism illustrates the power of police diplomacy in uniting countries to address the most pressing global security challenges. It’s also worth noting that transnational crimes pose an international threat, with criminal networks operating in decentralized, anonymous digital spaces that transcend national jurisdictions.

Given this evidence, we can argue that police diplomacy must adapt to these new threats by promoting new forms of cooperation, including the exchange of technical expertise and digital intelligence in real time.

This requires more than traditional diplomatic negotiations; it requires continued trust-building, harmonization of legal frameworks, and the capacity to respond rapidly to ever-changing threats. In conclusion, the future of police diplomacy will require not only continued multilateral engagement, but also adaptation to new and evolving threats in the digital age.

*Anne-Marie Nainda writes in a personal capacity and her views do not necessarily reflect those of other police organisations.