NCJ Number
138690
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1992) Pages: 169-185
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This discussion of efforts to control organized crime in Australia disputes the argument that poor relationships between law enforcement agencies have acted as a major barrier to controlling organized crime.
Abstract
Strategies to combat organized crime have essentially involved massive increases in the numbers of investigative personnel and agencies and the expansion of their powers. Specialized organizations have been established, including the national Crime Authority, the Cash Transaction Reports Agency, and the New South Wales Drug Crime Commission. In addition, the use of computers has greatly increased the analytic powers and skills of government agencies and has allowed them to track money and other factors. Although legislative provisions regarding secrecy and privacy have the potential to inhibit the free flow of information from government departments to law enforcement agencies, interagency relationships are affected more strongly by the attitudes, values, and perceptions of agency administrators. Therefore, any reforms designed to combat organized crime must address not only legal issues but also the broader issues concerning attitudes, perceptions, and ideologies. In addition, the assumption that improving interagency relationships will make law enforcement strategies more effective needs testing. Notes and 36 references