INTERPOL Preemptive Request
Our Services: INTERPOL Preemptive Requests
A preemptive request before INTERPOL allows an individual to act before a Red Notice is issued, asking INTERPOL not to process future data that would breach its rules.
At Otherside, we assist clients in preparing and submitting preemptive requests to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) to reduce the risk of a Red Notice being published.
This proactive step can be decisive in politically motivated or unfounded cases.
Legal Basis and Procedure
While the CCF Statute does not expressly mention “preemptive requests,” the practice is recognised within INTERPOL’s system.
A preemptive request asks INTERPOL to flag or block any future data submission concerning an individual, even when no information currently exists in its files, on the basis that processing such data would breach INTERPOL’s Constitution and the Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD).
Upon receipt, the CCF transmits the request to INTERPOL’s General Secretariat, which records the information and may take it into account during its pre-publication compliance review.
Since 2016, Red Notice requests have been subject to internal review before publication to assess compliance with INTERPOL rules, including neutrality, proportionality, and human rights.
Limitations of the INTERPOL Preemptive Request
A preemptive request does not trigger a formal review or decision by the CCF. The CCF’s role is to transmit the request to the General Secretariat, which may refer to it later. Applicants should be aware of the following limitations:
01
No Decision or Legal Assessment
The CCF will not issue a determination on whether a future Red Notice would comply with INTERPOL’s rules. No findings on legality or compliance are made.
02
No Confirmation of Ongoing Monitoring
After submission, the applicant typically receives a brief acknowledgment only. There is no continuing monitoring or confirmation that the request remains under review.
03
No Automatic Notification
A preemptive request does not guarantee notification if INTERPOL later processes data or publishes a Red Notice. New data may still be entered without warning.
04
No Guarantee of Refusal
A preemptive request may influence internal assessment, but it does not ensure a refusal. Decisions remain with the General Secretariat and its review mechanisms (including the NDTF) when assessing publication and compliance.
Our Approach
At Otherside, we assist clients in submitting INTERPOL preemptive requests that effectively highlight potential breaches of INTERPOL’s rules before a Red Notice is issued.
While the Commission for the CCF does not rule on such applications, the way a request is structured determines whether it will be meaningfully noted by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat during future compliance reviews.
Risk Assessment
Drafting the Preemptive Request
Transmission to the General Secretariat
Follow-Up
Why Choose Otherside
At Otherside, we act exclusively in INTERPOL and CCF proceedings. Our experience with preemptive requests is focused on ensuring the key compliance risks are presented clearly for later internal review.
Exclusive Focus on INTERPOL Proceedings
Strategic Presentation of Risk
Experience with Sensitive Cases
Consistent Follow-Up
Contact an INTERPOL Lawyer for Preemptive Requests
If you face a risk of a Red Notice, an INTERPOL preemptive request can help ensure compliance concerns are documented before any publication. At Otherside, we prepare and submit preemptive requests to the CCF for transmission to INTERPOL’s General Secretariat, so that risks are clearly presented if a request is later made. For confidential assistance with an INTERPOL preemptive request, contact Otherside