NCJ Number
91972
Date Published
1983
Length
174 pages
Annotation
This overview provides descriptive and statistical material on the status and organization of the police in Australia.
Abstract
It begins with some basic facts about Australia and the history and background of its police. Next, the principal law enforcement establishments and expenditures are delineated and the police structure and organization described. Police legal powers are summarized and a profile drawn of the typical Australian police officer. Other topics of discussion concern discipline and accountability; working conditions, uniforms, and weapons; ranks and salary; recruitment; and education and training. The report also describes Australian police capabilities regarding transport, communications, internal security, traffic police, and criminal identification. Participation in international exchange programs is mentioned and profiles of police organizations are given. Statistics on major criminal offenses are provided. Current developments in improving Australian police capabilities, relating to Federal coordination and funding as well as to newly established bureaus for criminal intelligence and research, conclude the report. Tabular data are provided and a bibliography of over 100 items is given.