Former HSI special agent new Interpol Washington director

WASHINGTON – Shawn A. Bray, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was sworn in today by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole to be the new director of Interpol Washington. Interpol Washington, the U.S. National Central Bureau, is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice and is co-managed by DHS.

In his remarks at the installation ceremony, Deputy Attorney General Cole called Director Bray, "an outstanding leader and public servant who will honor and carry forward Interpol's long tradition of excellence." Deputy Attorney General Cole also praised Bray for his achievements while serving as deputy director.

"Over the past three years, Shawn Bray's vision and expertise have proved essential. At every turn, he has never hesitated in taking bold steps to tackle any obstacle, while bringing out the very best in those around him. In doing so, he has helped to build a more collaborative environment at Interpol Washington."

Also in attendance at Thursday's ceremony was DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton and Assistant Secretary Alan Bersin, DHS International Affairs and vice president of the America's Region to the Interpol Executive Committee, who was elected to the Interpol Executive Committee during the 81st Interpol General Assembly which occurred in Rome, Italy, Nov. 5 to 8.

The Secretary applauded Director Bray for his efforts to support law enforcement agents and officers in the field. "The work of Interpol has never been more important to the security of our country and to our partners around the world, and today, Shawn Bray's installation as Director of Interpol Washington is another step toward greater law enforcement cooperation," said Secretary Napolitano.

"ICE is very pleased with the selection of Shawn Bray to head Interpol in Washington," said ICE Director John Morton. "I am very confident this ICE veteran will build upon the superb efforts of his predecessors and further advance Interpol's great work to promote law and order around the world."

Mr. Bray started his career in 1988 as a special agent assigned to the U.S. Customs Service, Office of Investigations in Arizona. While serving in Arizona, Mr. Bray was also assigned as senior special agent in the U.S. Customs Service Office of Internal Affairs. In 2003, DHS was established and the U.S. Customs Service merged with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to become ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Mr. Bray has held numerous positions within ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS. Prior to joining Interpol Washington, he served as an HSI Operations Chief with responsibility for the Southeast Region of the United States. In addition, Mr. Bray led the HSI Cyber Crimes Center as its Unit Chief, where he oversaw all domestic and foreign cyber investigative and forensic operations within its three primary components: the Child Exploitation Program, Cyber Crimes Section and Digital Forensics Program.