NCJ Number
111474
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In Australia, there is no single body with the exclusive role of investigating official corruption.
Abstract
While police, including the Federal Police, can investigate corruption, they must rely only on general investigative rules and procedures. From time to time, jurisdictions have created royal commissions or judicial inquiries, some of which have been multijurisdictional in nature. Recently, the National Crime Authority has been created to analyze information and intelligence on bribery and other forms of corruption. The Authority has national jurisdiction to conduct inquiries, either self-initiated or on the basis of referrals. The Authority can conduct hearings, summon witnesses, use coercive powers to obtain information or documents, obtain and execute search warrants, intercept telephone communications, and arrange for the protection of witnesses. The Authority also may develop evidence of criminal behavior among police officers from any Australian jurisdiction. In addition to the Authority, other mechanisms available to combat police corruption include police internal investigation units and ombudsmen.