Interpol notice

Who / What

An Interpol notice is an internationally recognised alert issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to share critical information about suspected criminals, missing persons, or potential threats. The notices are disseminated to law‑enforcement agencies in member states, enabling rapid coordination and information exchange across borders. Each notice type contains specific details suited to the particular situation, such as wanted individuals or unidentified bodies.

Background & History

Interpol was founded in 1923 in Paris, and its notice system grew out of the need for cross‑border cooperation during the early‑to‑mid‑20th‑century wave of international crime. The modern code of notices was established following Interpol’s 1948 overhaul, which created a structured framework for information sharing. Since then, eight notice types have been formalised, seven of which are colour‑coded (red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange, and purple). The system has evolved with technology, ultimately becoming a digital platform that supports real‑time alerts worldwide.

Why Notable

Interpol notices provide law‑enforcement agencies worldwide with a reliable, standardized method to request aid and share threats, greatly enhancing collective security. Their rapid distribution can prevent crimes, locate missing persons, and disrupt criminal networks across jurisdictions. The colour‑coded scheme simplifies identification of the nature of a notice, promoting swift and appropriate responses. As a leading example of international policing cooperation, Interpol notices are a cornerstone of modern border‑security and criminal‑justice strategy.

In the News

Recent updates have highlighted the use of “red notices” in high‑profile international extradition cases, drawing media scrutiny over due‑process concerns. In 2025, Interpol announced a significant upgrade to its online notice‑tracking system, promising faster dissemination of alerts and better integration with national databases. These developments underscore the continued relevance of Interpol notices as a vital tool in tackling transnational crime.

Key Facts

**Type:** international alert

**Also known as:** Interpol Notice, International Criminal Police Organization Notice, Interpol Police Alert

**Founded / Born:** 1923 (Interpol established; notice system formalised post‑1948 reforms)

**Key dates:**

1923 – Interpol founded in Paris

1948 – Notice framework codified in Interpol’s new constitution

1970 – Introduction of colour‑coded notices

1990s – Transition to digital notice‑management platform (IPON)

2025 – Implementation of upgraded online tracking system

**Geography:** Headquarters in Lyon, France; global presence across Interpol’s 195 member states

**Affiliation:** International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol); law‑enforcement & border‑security network

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpol_notice)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

An Interpol notice is an international alert circulated by Interpol to communicate information about crimes, criminals, and threats by police in a member state (or an authorised international entity) to their counterparts around the world. The information disseminated via notices concerns individuals wanted for serious crimes, missing persons, unidentified bodies, possible threats, prison escapes, and criminals' modus operandi. There are eight types of notices, seven of which are colour-coded by their function: red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange, and purple.