Singapore flags ASEAN data link with Interpol

SINGAPORE (AFP) - ASEAN will link up its common database of criminal information with Interpol as the region steps up efforts to combat crime and terrorism, a Singapore minister said Monday.
 
Coordinating Minister for National Security S. Jayakumar said the link-up with the France-based police organisation would further boost the region's police forces.

The improved database is a one-stop access to both Interpol and ASEAN member-nations' police records.

"This means a repository of information amassed globally from Interpol's 186 member countries will be at the fingertips of every local law enforcement official," Jayakumar said in a speech at an annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) police chiefs conference here.

He said the Interpol link-up means "regional police forces will therefore have a powerful tool to combat crime and terrorism."

The ASEAN's database is centred in Singapore and accessed via computer in the 10 member nations. It contains more than 1,000 records on criminal activity in the region.

During the three-day conference which ends Wednesday, police delegates will be discussing transnational law enforcement issues including terrorism, cyber crime and commercial crimes.