Charles R. Goulding and Anthony Palumbo explore how INTERPOL’s Innovation Centre is harnessing 3D printing to revolutionize global policing, from forensic reconstructions to cutting-edge counterterrorism tools.
Adapting to a New Technological Landscape
In an era of rapidly evolving criminal threats and technological breakthroughs, INTERPOL—the world’s largest international police organization—is exploring how additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, might contribute to advancing law enforcement operations. Through its Innovation Centre, INTERPOL is tasked with evaluating emerging technologies that could improve global coordination in areas like intelligence, digital forensics, and tactical readiness. This article explores how additive manufacturing could support INTERPOL’s forward-looking mission to enhance global policing capabilities, improve operational agility, and promote sustainability.
INTERPOL’s Global Complex for Innovation
Established in Singapore, the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation functions as a forward-looking center designed to support global law enforcement through technological advancement and strategic partnerships. As part of INTERPOL’s broader innovation strategy the global complex operates as a collaborative hub, connecting law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and technology experts across its 194 member countries. The Centre’s core mandate includes fostering technology awareness, promoting experimentation, and facilitating knowledge exchange to strengthen global crime-fighting capabilities (INTERPOL).
INTERPOL’s mission framework and existing operations could suggest strong potential for 3D printing to support rapid prototyping, localized tool production, and tailored deployments in diverse environments, These capabilities, especially when paired with artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and biometric systems, point toward promising areas for future exploration in international policing innovation. At the same time, INTERPOL has expressed concern over the proliferation of 3D printed firearms, due to their untraceable nature and potential to evade traditional security measures.
3D Printing in Forensics and Crime Scene Reconstruction
Additive manufacturing has already begun transforming forensic science more broadly by enabling the reconstruction of crime scenes, evidence, and biological structures. According to the National Institute of Justice, criminal justice practitioners can now use 3D printing to replicate forensic evidence and environments for courtroom demonstrations and investigative training. These physical reconstructions offer multi-angle analysis, facilitate non-destructive testing, and make complex evidence more accessible to juries.
In academic and forensic settings, 3D printed models have also been used in facial reconstruction and in representing biomolecular structures such as DNA or proteins. These visual aids help scientists better understand biochemical interactions relevant to criminal investigations, particularly in cold cases or where digital reconstruction alone is insufficient (ScienceDirect).
In specialized contexts, 3D printing has been utilized to create physical models of biomolecular structures, such as DNA or proteins, to aid in the visualization and understanding of complex biological data.
Potential for AI-Enhanced Additive Manufacturing in Counterterrorism
One emerging field with potential relevance to global law enforcement is the integration of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing for custom, rapidly-deployable devices. Generative design software—such as those offered by firms like Autodesk—can optimize structures for mission-specific tools like drone airframes or surveillance housings. While not confirmed as part of INTERPOL’s initiatives, this technology may offer future opportunities for member countries to fabricate tools on-site with reduced dependency on centralized manufacturing.
Such AI-optimized components could include electromagnetic shielding, ergonomic enclosures, or IED training replicas, contributing to preparedness and adaptability. Combined with predictive threat modeling, 3D printing could also be used to create scale environments for simulating high-risk scenarios.
Cybersecurity Infrastructure and 3D-Printed Hardware
Cybersecurity is often associated with software solutions, but the physical security of forensic equipment is equally critical. Additive manufacturing offers a way to produce tamper-resistant enclosures, secure kiosk housings, and air-gapped computing modules for handling sensitive digital evidence. Hardware modules may benefit from electromagnetic shielding or custom locking mechanisms fabricated using 3D printing—features explored in engineering research and industry reporting (IEEE Spectrum).
While INTERPOL has not disclosed any current projects in this area, its Innovation Centre could potentially support prototyping hardware security modules or cryptographic token enclosures. Localized, on-demand production may also strengthen supply chain integrity by minimizing reliance on external vendors.
Addressing the Risks of 3D Printed Weapons
As additive manufacturing becomes more accessible, INTERPOL has raised concerns about the criminal misuse of 3D printing technology to produce untraceable firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns.” These weapons can be created without serial numbers, complicating efforts to trace their origin or link them to crimes (INTERPOL).
In a 2022 report, INTERPOL outlined the emerging threat posed by 3D printed weapons, noting their growing availability and the difficulty in regulating the distribution of digital blueprints for such devices. The organization classifies these threats into three categories: fully 3D printed firearms, hybrid 3D printed guns that use both printed and conventional components, and 3D printed frames for traditional weapons (Al Arabiya English).
To combat these risks, INTERPOL collaborates with global partners to provide training and technical support for law enforcement agencies, ensuring officers can detect and investigate crimes involving additively manufactured weapons. The organization’s firearms program also supports national authorities in developing preventive measures and improving international information-sharing on weapons trafficking (INTERPOL).
Toward a Coordinated AM Security Policy
INTERPOL’s efforts are complemented by initiatives from organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which has launched operational training workshops to help countries address firearms trafficking, including the implications of 3D printed weapons. The UN has also called for international action to regulate the digital distribution of CAD files and blueprints used to manufacture firearms with 3D printers. These recommendations are aimed at filling legislative gaps and ensuring that emerging technologies do not outpace the laws designed to prevent illicit weapons proliferation (United Nations).
INTERPOL’s Project iARMS (Illicit Arms Records and tracing Management System) plays a pivotal role in these efforts, allowing member countries to share data on lost, stolen, and trafficked weapons. Although not limited to 3D printed arms, Project iARMS supports the broader goal of curbing the global spread of unregulated firearms, including those produced through additive manufacturing (INTERPOL).
Biometrics and Physical Reconstruction Applications
Biometric systems remain central to global identity verification, and additive manufacturing can support both hardware prototyping and forensic training. For instance, 3D printing can be used to create custom scanner housings, wearable biometric devices, or ergonomic sensor mounts. These components can be tailored to field conditions and integrated into mobile law enforcement platforms.
3D printed facial or fingerprint reconstructions have also been demonstrated in forensic science, particularly in cases involving partial or degraded samples (Biometric Update). Such reconstructions can improve accuracy in identification efforts. Additionally, training aids based on biometric hardware prototypes can help standardize usage practices across international borders.
Enhanced Training Simulations and Tactical Preparedness
3D printing’s value in simulation and training is widely recognized. Replicas of firearms, tools, or improvised devices can be safely used in law enforcement training without risk of harm. By closely matching the form factor and tactile characteristics of real items, these replicas help officers practice response techniques under realistic conditions (ScienceDirect).
Architectural scale models of high-value targets—such as embassies or critical infrastructure—may also be printed for mission planning. Moreover, downloadable simulation kits can be distributed to INTERPOL member countries, enabling consistent training protocols and reinforcing interoperability across jurisdictions.
Global Knowledge Exchange Through Printable Templates
An emerging concept in international policing is the use of secure digital libraries to share 3D-printable templates of validated tools. INTERPOL, through its Innovation Centre, could facilitate the exchange of designs for evidence containers, field kits, or biometric training aids. This would empower member countries—especially those with limited industrial capacity—to produce mission-critical tools on demand (INTERPOL Innovation Centre). Such a system could also encourage collaborative development, where member countries contribute improved or specialized versions of shared designs. Beyond operational benefits, printable templates serve as educational resources for technicians and analysts working in the field.
Sustainable Innovation in Law Enforcement
Sustainability is becoming a greater priority in policing strategies. Additive manufacturing supports environmental goals through localized production, reduced material waste, and on-demand fabrication. Lightweight and durable components extend equipment lifespans, while newer AM materials—such as recyclable or bio-based filaments—further reduce environmental impact (Nature).
Some researchers and companies are also exploring the use of recycled filaments derived from recovered electronic waste. If implemented, such practices would align with broader circular economy initiatives and could improve long-term cost efficiency and logistical resilience for policing agencies.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes, and/or software. 3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, evaluating, and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
The potential integration of additive manufacturing into INTERPOL’s Innovation Centre represents a forward-looking opportunity to modernize global law enforcement infrastructure. From forensic reconstruction and biometric prototyping to training aids and secure hardware, 3D printing offers tools that can help police agencies respond rapidly, securely, and sustainably.
As INTERPOL continues to evaluate and guide innovation in global policing, additive manufacturing may emerge as a valuable tool in its collaborative ecosystem. If embraced thoughtfully, AM could support a more agile, resilient, and interoperable model of international policing fit for the complexities of the 21st century.
