Now that INTERPOL’s annual General Assembly has come to a close, it’s a good time to discuss some of the decisions that were made during the GA’s annual meeting.

First, let’s get to the GA’s choice for INTERPOL’s president: Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police.  She will serve as INTERPOL’s first female president.

Ms. Ballestrazzi previously served as the Vice President for Europe of INTERPOL, and is seen here in a video interview from March of this year.  She has led an interesting professional life and was even the subject of a book called Madame la commissaire.  Her most well-known accomplishments include tracking down valuable stolen works of art and taking on the mafia.

Being the first woman to hold a given office is nothing new for her; her current position is one in a series of firsts. She was also the first female deputy director of the Economic and Financial Affairs of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police.  Additionally, although the seat of INTERPOL is in Lyon, France, Ms. Ballestrazzi’s election marks the first time since 1992 that the presidency of INTERPOL has been held by France.

While her public remarks were not lengthy at the General Assembly, we’re looking forward to seeing what sort of influence she will have on the Organization during her presidential term.

As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.