INTERPOL Project RHINO: capacity building and training on bioterrorism
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2020-04-09

Strong, reciprocal working relationships between law enforcement and public health require understanding of each other’s roles, a high degree of respect, dialogue and partnership.

However, there are many practical and conceptual barriers, including the fact that public health and law enforcement systems originate from very different cultures and often have strong incentives to stay in their silos; incentives to use a multiagency or multisectoral approach are often scarce.

Contrary to popular belief, policing is not limited to catching thieves and maintaining order, but involves protection of vulnerable individuals, groups, communities, and those at risk of crime by way of activities such as safeguarding, surveillance, community or public safety, and public protection.

As part of any prevention program, therefore, law enforcement agencies need to develop a working relationship with the scientific community and public health laboratories.