International structures and transnational crime

The years since 1950 have seen an unprecedented development of a large number of international institutions and instruments in all political, social and economic areas. This development aims to reduce conflict and inequality, ease international co-operation and speed economic development. It also responds to the increased movement of goods, services and people, itself a reaction to improved communications as reflected in cheaper transportation and the growth of IT. Criminal justice has been no exception to this development. Bilateral arrangements between countries that sufficed before the 1950s have gradually been replaced by frameworks that cover groupings of countries. Such frameworks aim to avoid criminals exploiting ‘safe havens’ and differences between criminal justice systems. The need for international co-operation in criminal justice investigation parallels the need for co-operation within a single jurisdiction. It is taken for granted that Hampshire Police Force in England should obtain full cooperation from all other criminal justice agencies in England and Wales when they pursue a case. But modern criminals are as likely to pursue their activities from outside England and Wales or to flee abroad once their crime has been committed. The need for co-operation between jurisdictions therefore falls into the following broad categories: • The need for authorities to pursue their investigations outside their area of jurisdiction: • by having easier access to pursing and interviewing suspects and witnesses; and • by better access to documentary computer, video-tapes or phones. • Improved extradition proceedings. Mutual legal assistance between respective agencies. The transfer of proceedings to another jurisdiction, if appropriate. The recognition of judgements from other jurisdictions. If appropriate, the implementation of such judgements in other jurisdictions. The setting up of supranational agencies for investigation and judgement where appropriate and acceptable. Ensuring evidence from another jurisdiction can be produced in an acceptable way. Transferring prisoners where this is appropriate.