Ericsson
07-11-2006, 11:17 PM
The new Head of Europol Mr. Max - Peter Ratzel talks to the "Police Review"
http://www.ydt.gr/main/images/photos/photo15572_IMG_0712.jpg
He was born in 1949 at Dillingen in Germany. He has a degree in Mathematics and Physics. He has served in very important positions in the German Police Force (BKA) as Head of the Division of Organized Crime, Advisor of the Chief and the Deputy Chief of BKA, Special Consultant in the field of Technology etc.
HeassumedhisdutiesasHeadofEuropolinApril 19th, 2005, andrightonthefollowingday, with "absoluteGermanprecision", wemetinhisofficeattheEuropolHeadquartersintheHague. FromthefirstmomentheshowedustherespecthefeelsforGreekPoliceOfficers, insistingontheexcellentresultswehaveobtainedwhentheAthens 2004 OlympicGameswereheldinanenvironmentofabsolutesecurity.
Itisagreatjoyandhonorforustopresenttoyouthe first exclusive interview of the new Europol Head Mr. Max-Peter Ratzel. We are certain that you will find it very interesting indeed?
PoliceReview: YouhavejustbeenappointedbytheCouncil of Ministers to run things at the European Police Force for a period of at least four years. Itisafascinatingjobandahugeresponsibility. Whatwerethefirstthoughtsthatcrossedyourmindwhenyoufirstknewofthisappointment?
- I felt joy and relief at the same time. When a Police Officer decides to be a candidate for such an important position, as is the post of Head of Europol, then the only goal is to be successful. I was undoubtedly flattered but from the very first moment, I decided to adopt a more "humble" - if you will allow this term - attitude in this new job of mine.
Therefore, for the moment I still need to be briefed on the field of jurisdiction and competence I have and then I intend to prove that the right person has indeed been chosen for this job.
P.R: After your appointment a new chapter starts at the Europol Headquarters. Which are your principal objectives?
- I intend to focus on the best possible results. It is definitely too early for me to focus on side objectives. First and foremost I intend to come close to the staff, to my colleagues, to the Board of Directors of Europol and to the rest of my partners. I want to listen deeply into their wishes and concerns and then, I shall decide on the policy we shall follow in order to comply with Europol`s principal mission, in other words, to improve efficiency and cooperation between the law enforcement authorities of the EU Member States to prevent and fight international organized crime.
P.R: TennewMemberStateshaverecentlyaccededtotheEUandtherefore toEuropol. What impact is there from the "enlargement" of this Organization?
- Cooperation with ten new Member States of the European Union had reached a very good level before their accession, since Europol had signed with those States several cooperation agreements in order to facilitate information exchange. However, I personally believe that this accession shall be particularly productive. As far as police and law enforcement are concerned, this is a unique opportunity to do away in a more scientific manner with organized criminal groups based in that part of Europe.
P.R: As far as international police cooperation is concerned (for instance, Interpol), in which way do you think that the level of cooperation can be improved?
- Many isolated criminals together with organized groups of criminals have international connections and dispose of an important international networking. They are very flexible and do not hesitate in making the best out of the gaps in the international law as well as the national law of each state. In order to be able to track down such international criminals involved in a quite complex action, international police cooperation is of paramount importance. There is no doubt that the field of responsibility and the scope of action need to be perfectly distinguishable between the police authorities from the entire world which are involved in a particular case. In this way there is no intervention from one policy authority to the activities of another.
P.R: Europolhasamulti-sectorialnature, sinceithostsdifferentlawenforcementauthorities, suchasthepolice, customauthorities, portauthoritiesetc. Doyouplantokeepthis "multi-sectorial"faceoftheorganizationinthefuture, combiningsuchdifferentservices, ordoyou think that at some point in time Europol should exclusively be limited to the police field?
- I think that the most important asset of Europol is precisely this international and multi-sectorial nature calling for the cooperation between different law enforcement authorities. Europol staff does not only come from all EU countries but it also includes representatives from Colombia and Norway, who work on a regular basis with us, here in the Hague.
We shall soon welcome representatives from the United States of America, a colleague from FBI and another one from the Secret Services. This everyday practice has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it is to our benefit counting on representatives from either the custom authorities or the border police who shall work here on our side at our headquarters.
This multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary dimension grants to Europol a quite particular significance and importance in the field of information exchange for two main reasons: first, Member States can use the Europol Liaison Officers network to establish contact between them as soon as possible and second, Member States have the possibility to collect information directly from different sources, in other words from different law enforcement authorities. Therefore, the final result of research and collection of information regarding a police investigation currently in progress may definitely be a lot better compared to a mere bilateral contact seeking information. This is why I intend to support this approach in the future in a coherent and constant manner.
P.R: The main work of Europol regards the collection, exchange and analysis of information and personal data both at the operational and the strategic level. Doyouthinkyouaredoingwellinthiseffort?
- Generally speaking yes, although there is always more room for improvement. Besides, let us not forget that the enemy of "good" is "even better". This is how things are in our Organization. In the future I would like to see more frequently Europol representatives "out there, in the field", supporting their colleagues of the national forces at the operational level with the expertise they have acquired. No executing powers are needed to achieve this. We should bear in mind that Europol`s principal mission is to improve efficiency and cooperation between law enforcement authorities of the Member States in terms of prevention and fight against international organized crime.
http://www.ydt.gr/main/images/photos/photo15573_IMG_0720.jpg
P.R: Whatcanyoutelluson the cooperation level between Europol and Greece?
- Greece and Europol have established a good and trustworthy relationship. The Greek Liaison Officers? Bureau includes representatives from different law enforcement authorities, such as Customs and Port Authorities as well as the Hellenic Police Force. You surely realize that a broad range of capabilities is already covered in this way, a prerequisite when dealing with organized crime.
Apart from that, we have several good and dedicated executives from Greece working here in Europol under a contract.
P.R: In which stage are your plans regarding the installation and operation of the Europol Information System?
- For the time being, Europol officially uses the Information System and in the following months, we shall have a plethora of files incorporated into the system. We have certainly programmed a series of educational seminars, whereas several specialized security measures are being evaluated. In any case, it is still too early to express an opinion on when this shall exactly be applied in all countries.
P.R: AlotofinkhasbeenshedontheEuropeanConstitutional Treaty. DoyouthinkthatifitisadoptedthatshallhaveanimpactonEuropol. Whichmightbetheprincipalchanges brought about in the International Police Cooperation?
- This is a political question in part. If there is a change in the Constitutional Treaty, undoubtedly the Europol Convention shall also need changes.
P.R: AccordingtoEuropol`soperationalandstrategicanalysis, whicharethemostimportanttrendsoforganizedcrimeandwhicharethemost important criminal groups threatening the European Union?
Your question is very substantial and I would like to advise your readers to take a close look to the Organized Crime Report of the European Union for the year 2004, presenting all the trends and dimensions of threat in our times.
A very important development to take place in the future is that this Report I just described, shall be transformed to a Document of Threats from Organized Crime. In order to be successful in this venture, we shall exclusively be based on the contributions of the Member States and in this context, we count a great deal on the very valuable cooperation we have developed with Greece.
P.R: Mr. Head of Europol, thank you very much for your time!
- Thank you too.
http://www.ydt.gr/main/images/photos/photo15572_IMG_0712.jpg
He was born in 1949 at Dillingen in Germany. He has a degree in Mathematics and Physics. He has served in very important positions in the German Police Force (BKA) as Head of the Division of Organized Crime, Advisor of the Chief and the Deputy Chief of BKA, Special Consultant in the field of Technology etc.
HeassumedhisdutiesasHeadofEuropolinApril 19th, 2005, andrightonthefollowingday, with "absoluteGermanprecision", wemetinhisofficeattheEuropolHeadquartersintheHague. FromthefirstmomentheshowedustherespecthefeelsforGreekPoliceOfficers, insistingontheexcellentresultswehaveobtainedwhentheAthens 2004 OlympicGameswereheldinanenvironmentofabsolutesecurity.
Itisagreatjoyandhonorforustopresenttoyouthe first exclusive interview of the new Europol Head Mr. Max-Peter Ratzel. We are certain that you will find it very interesting indeed?
PoliceReview: YouhavejustbeenappointedbytheCouncil of Ministers to run things at the European Police Force for a period of at least four years. Itisafascinatingjobandahugeresponsibility. Whatwerethefirstthoughtsthatcrossedyourmindwhenyoufirstknewofthisappointment?
- I felt joy and relief at the same time. When a Police Officer decides to be a candidate for such an important position, as is the post of Head of Europol, then the only goal is to be successful. I was undoubtedly flattered but from the very first moment, I decided to adopt a more "humble" - if you will allow this term - attitude in this new job of mine.
Therefore, for the moment I still need to be briefed on the field of jurisdiction and competence I have and then I intend to prove that the right person has indeed been chosen for this job.
P.R: After your appointment a new chapter starts at the Europol Headquarters. Which are your principal objectives?
- I intend to focus on the best possible results. It is definitely too early for me to focus on side objectives. First and foremost I intend to come close to the staff, to my colleagues, to the Board of Directors of Europol and to the rest of my partners. I want to listen deeply into their wishes and concerns and then, I shall decide on the policy we shall follow in order to comply with Europol`s principal mission, in other words, to improve efficiency and cooperation between the law enforcement authorities of the EU Member States to prevent and fight international organized crime.
P.R: TennewMemberStateshaverecentlyaccededtotheEUandtherefore toEuropol. What impact is there from the "enlargement" of this Organization?
- Cooperation with ten new Member States of the European Union had reached a very good level before their accession, since Europol had signed with those States several cooperation agreements in order to facilitate information exchange. However, I personally believe that this accession shall be particularly productive. As far as police and law enforcement are concerned, this is a unique opportunity to do away in a more scientific manner with organized criminal groups based in that part of Europe.
P.R: As far as international police cooperation is concerned (for instance, Interpol), in which way do you think that the level of cooperation can be improved?
- Many isolated criminals together with organized groups of criminals have international connections and dispose of an important international networking. They are very flexible and do not hesitate in making the best out of the gaps in the international law as well as the national law of each state. In order to be able to track down such international criminals involved in a quite complex action, international police cooperation is of paramount importance. There is no doubt that the field of responsibility and the scope of action need to be perfectly distinguishable between the police authorities from the entire world which are involved in a particular case. In this way there is no intervention from one policy authority to the activities of another.
P.R: Europolhasamulti-sectorialnature, sinceithostsdifferentlawenforcementauthorities, suchasthepolice, customauthorities, portauthoritiesetc. Doyouplantokeepthis "multi-sectorial"faceoftheorganizationinthefuture, combiningsuchdifferentservices, ordoyou think that at some point in time Europol should exclusively be limited to the police field?
- I think that the most important asset of Europol is precisely this international and multi-sectorial nature calling for the cooperation between different law enforcement authorities. Europol staff does not only come from all EU countries but it also includes representatives from Colombia and Norway, who work on a regular basis with us, here in the Hague.
We shall soon welcome representatives from the United States of America, a colleague from FBI and another one from the Secret Services. This everyday practice has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it is to our benefit counting on representatives from either the custom authorities or the border police who shall work here on our side at our headquarters.
This multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary dimension grants to Europol a quite particular significance and importance in the field of information exchange for two main reasons: first, Member States can use the Europol Liaison Officers network to establish contact between them as soon as possible and second, Member States have the possibility to collect information directly from different sources, in other words from different law enforcement authorities. Therefore, the final result of research and collection of information regarding a police investigation currently in progress may definitely be a lot better compared to a mere bilateral contact seeking information. This is why I intend to support this approach in the future in a coherent and constant manner.
P.R: The main work of Europol regards the collection, exchange and analysis of information and personal data both at the operational and the strategic level. Doyouthinkyouaredoingwellinthiseffort?
- Generally speaking yes, although there is always more room for improvement. Besides, let us not forget that the enemy of "good" is "even better". This is how things are in our Organization. In the future I would like to see more frequently Europol representatives "out there, in the field", supporting their colleagues of the national forces at the operational level with the expertise they have acquired. No executing powers are needed to achieve this. We should bear in mind that Europol`s principal mission is to improve efficiency and cooperation between law enforcement authorities of the Member States in terms of prevention and fight against international organized crime.
http://www.ydt.gr/main/images/photos/photo15573_IMG_0720.jpg
P.R: Whatcanyoutelluson the cooperation level between Europol and Greece?
- Greece and Europol have established a good and trustworthy relationship. The Greek Liaison Officers? Bureau includes representatives from different law enforcement authorities, such as Customs and Port Authorities as well as the Hellenic Police Force. You surely realize that a broad range of capabilities is already covered in this way, a prerequisite when dealing with organized crime.
Apart from that, we have several good and dedicated executives from Greece working here in Europol under a contract.
P.R: In which stage are your plans regarding the installation and operation of the Europol Information System?
- For the time being, Europol officially uses the Information System and in the following months, we shall have a plethora of files incorporated into the system. We have certainly programmed a series of educational seminars, whereas several specialized security measures are being evaluated. In any case, it is still too early to express an opinion on when this shall exactly be applied in all countries.
P.R: AlotofinkhasbeenshedontheEuropeanConstitutional Treaty. DoyouthinkthatifitisadoptedthatshallhaveanimpactonEuropol. Whichmightbetheprincipalchanges brought about in the International Police Cooperation?
- This is a political question in part. If there is a change in the Constitutional Treaty, undoubtedly the Europol Convention shall also need changes.
P.R: AccordingtoEuropol`soperationalandstrategicanalysis, whicharethemostimportanttrendsoforganizedcrimeandwhicharethemost important criminal groups threatening the European Union?
Your question is very substantial and I would like to advise your readers to take a close look to the Organized Crime Report of the European Union for the year 2004, presenting all the trends and dimensions of threat in our times.
A very important development to take place in the future is that this Report I just described, shall be transformed to a Document of Threats from Organized Crime. In order to be successful in this venture, we shall exclusively be based on the contributions of the Member States and in this context, we count a great deal on the very valuable cooperation we have developed with Greece.
P.R: Mr. Head of Europol, thank you very much for your time!
- Thank you too.