The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is an Australian government agency responsible for coordinating and facilitating the collection and sharing of criminal intelligence and information across various law enforcement and government agencies.
ACIC primarily focuses on combating serious and organized crime in Australia. While ACIC itself does not have the same law enforcement powers as police agencies, it plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
The ACIC has a number of coercive powers that are used in its special investigations and operations:
- The ACIC can summon witnesses to appear before an examiner.
- The ACIC can then compel people to answer questions about suspected criminal activity.
- The ACIC can then compel those witnesses to give evidence on themselves and others under investigation.
- The ACIC can obtain documents or other items held by those witnesses.
These coercive powers can only be used when the ACIC Board approves their use in a special investigation or operation. Coercive powers as well as a full range of traditional investigative methods, including telephone interception, surveillance devices, and controlled operations, can be applied to special ACIC investigations and operations.
Here are some powers and functions of ACIC:
- Information Sharing: ACIC has the authority to gather and analyze criminal intelligence and information from various sources, including law enforcement agencies, government departments, and international partners. It can then share this intelligence with relevant agencies to aid in investigations and law enforcement operations.
- National Criminal Intelligence Database: ACIC maintains the National Criminal Intelligence Database (NCID), which serves as a central repository of criminal intelligence and information. This database allows authorized agencies to access and contribute information to support their investigations.
- Facilitation and Coordination: ACIC facilitates collaboration and coordination among law enforcement agencies at the national and international levels. It acts as a central point of contact for sharing information and expertise on serious and organized crime issues.
- Strategic Assessments: ACIC conducts strategic assessments of criminal threats and trends, providing law enforcement agencies and policymakers with valuable insights to guide their efforts in combating organized crime.
- Operational Support: While ACIC does not conduct law enforcement operations itself, it supports operational activities by providing intelligence, analytical support, and other resources to law enforcement agencies working on complex cases.
- Financial Intelligence: ACIC plays a role in combating money laundering and financial crime by analyzing financial intelligence and sharing information with relevant authorities.
- Partnerships: ACIC works closely with domestic and international partners, including other law enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, and regulatory bodies, to address transnational crime issues.
It’s important to note that ACIC operates within the legal framework of Australian law and is subject to strict privacy and security regulations. ACIC’s primary function is to gather, analyze, and share intelligence and information to assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat serious and organized crime. Law enforcement agencies themselves have the authority to conduct investigations, make arrests, and enforce the law. ACIC’s role is to support these agencies in their mission.