Interpol has two inter-related governing bodies: the General Assembly and the Executive Committee. These are deliberative organs, with decision-making and supervisory powers, which meet periodically. The Organization's permanent departments constitute the General Secretariat which is responsible for implementing the decisions and recommendations adopted by the two deliberative organs and whose close contacts with the Interpol National Central Bureaus (NCBs) in the various Member States provide the framework for day-to-day international police co-operation.
             The NCBs, which are national bodies, are responsible for liaison between the Member States and with the General Secretariat.
             This is composed of delegates appointed by the governments of Member States. As Interpol's supreme governing body, it meets once a year and takes all the major decisions affecting general policy, the resources needed for international co-operation, working methods, finances and programmes of activities. It also elects the Organization's officers. Generally speaking, the Assembly takes decisions by a simple majority in the form of resolutions. Each Member State represented has one vote.
             Thirteen members are elected by the General Assembly from among the Member States' delegates. They are elected on the basis of equitable geographic distribution and must be from different countries.
             The President is elected for a four-year term of office. He chairs General Assembly sessions and Executive Committee meetings, makes certain that decisions taken by the Organization's governing bodies are implemented, and maintains close contact with the Secretary General.
             Three Vice-Presidents and nine ordinary members are all elected for three-year terms of office.
             The Executive Committee usually meets three times a year. It ensures that General Assembly decisions are implemented, prepares the agenda for the General Assembly sessions, approves the programme of activit...