The OIMAP – INTERPOL agreement

OIMAP undertakes to make the BIOP database available to INTERPOL, to pass on the reports received that fall within an investigation, to provide experts and to train its officers. INTERPOL undertakes to relay OIMAP's alerts in its network, to share seizures and to involve OIMAP in operations.

Each keeps its independence and its responsibility. The agreement creates no hierarchical link and does not replace national procedures for police cooperation.

Data exchange rests on a common format and a secure channel. Each item of data is classified according to its level of sensitivity. High-level data are passed only to authorised officers. A register of transmissions makes it possible to trace every exchange.

The agreement provides for the protection of personal data, in accordance with the rules of both organisations. Data may be used only for the agreed purpose and are deleted at the end of the investigation.

A steering committee, made up of three representatives of each organisation, meets twice a year. It reviews progress, resolves difficulties and proposes directions. A technical group meets each quarter to deal with operational questions.

The agreement is evaluated every three years. It may be amended by supplement. Either partner may terminate it with six months' notice, without affecting ongoing investigations.

The agreement with INTERPOL served as a model for the agreements concluded with the WCO in 2016 and with other partners such as ICOM and the Blue Shield. Its structure — purpose, commitments, confidentiality, governance — has become the OIMAP standard.

Each new agreement is presented to the Assembly and published in the legal library. States may propose new partnerships to strengthen the protection of their heritage.