What does Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission do?

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is a government agency in Australia with a primary mission to combat and prevent serious and organized crime. ACIC plays a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating the collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal intelligence and information to support law enforcement and other government agencies.

Here are some of the key functions and responsibilities of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission:

1. Criminal Intelligence Coordination: ACIC coordinates the collection and sharing of criminal intelligence and information from various sources, including federal, state, and international agencies. It acts as a central hub for law enforcement agencies to collaborate on intelligence-sharing efforts.
2. National Criminal Intelligence Database: ACIC manages the National Criminal Intelligence Database (NCID), a centralized repository that stores and manages criminal intelligence and information. This database allows authorized agencies to access and contribute information to aid in investigations and law enforcement operations.
3. Intelligence Analysis: ACIC conducts an in-depth analysis of criminal threats and trends. It produces strategic assessments and reports that provide law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and government departments with valuable insights to inform their efforts in combating serious and organized crime.
4. Operational Support: While ACIC does not conduct law enforcement operations itself, it supports law enforcement agencies by providing intelligence, analytical support, and resources for complex cases and investigations involving serious and organized crime.
5. Money Laundering and Financial Crime: ACIC plays a role in combating money laundering and financial crime by analyzing financial intelligence and sharing information with relevant authorities and financial institutions.
6. International Cooperation: ACIC collaborates with domestic and international partners, including other law enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, and regulatory bodies, to address transnational crime issues and enhance global security.
7. Community Engagement: ACIC engages with communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the impact of serious and organized crime and to encourage reporting of criminal activity.
8. Policy Development: ACIC contributes to the development of policies and strategies aimed at countering serious and organized crime in Australia.
9. Protection of National Security: ACIC plays a role in protecting national security by providing intelligence support and information related to threats and vulnerabilities.

ACIC operates within the framework of Australian law and adheres to strict privacy and security regulations to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the information it handles. Its overarching goal is to enhance the capacity of law enforcement and other agencies to respond effectively to serious and organized crime, safeguarding the safety and security of the Australian community.