INTERPOL's origins date back to World War 1. It is now a two-tiered organization -- headquarters and a network of National Central Bureaus (NCB) -- which links 136 national police forces in mutual assistance in detection and deterrence of international crime and criminals. Current efforts are related to international terrorism, criminal money laundering, and illicit drug traffic. The United States' NCB is a separate agency within the Department of Justice, and 13 Federal agencies are represented within its operation. A description of the U.S.-INTERPOL relationship contrasts a prior lack of involvement with an active current involvement. The American law enforcement community appears to regard INTERPOL as an effective channel for access to international enforcement authorities. Every member country devises its own version of its connection with INTERPOL through the size, activity, and staffing of its NCB. Reference lists present information on contacting INTERPOL, the types of investigative assistance it provides, and the current member nations.