NCJ Number
128440
Journal
Current Issues in Criminal Justice Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
D A Weston
Date Published
1990
Length
128 pages
Annotation
Six papers examine the history, powers, operations, and effectiveness of specialized investigative agencies in Australia.
Abstract
The first article argues that the proliferation of additional investigative agencies for drug law enforcement in Australia is unwarranted; what is needed are additional resources and investigative authority for traditional policing bodies. This is followed by an article that reviews the investigative powers of one of the agencies critiqued in the previous article: the National Crime Authority. This agency has authority to investigate any offense that involves two or more offenders, substantial planning and organization, the use of sophisticated criminal methods, and that is usually committed in conjunction with other similar offenses. The third article discusses the investigatory powers of the National Companies and Securities Commission. This commission has broad powers in the investigation of securities offenses. Another article describes the purposes and powers of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) which was created to expose corruption among public officials through the use of special investigative powers. Other articles discuss key elements in evaluating the effectiveness of the ICAC and a comparison of the Hong Kong ICAC and the New South Wales ICAC regarding their interaction with the community.