The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has released a report on a recent review of its handling of sensitive investigations.
The Review into the AFP’s Response to and Management of Sensitive Investigation conducted by former Chief Executive of the Australian Crime Commission, John Lawler, examined more than 200 documents and engaged seven of the AFP’s international law enforcement partners.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said he accepted all of the Review’s options in principle.
“I welcome the report and thank Mr Lawler for his attention to detail, breadth of research, and analysis,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“In implementing the options, the AFP will continue to enhance its response to and management of sensitive investigations,” he said.
At the centre of the Review’s findings was a definition of ‘sensitive investigation’ and a key structural and governance change to create an escalation model for the AFP to better manage sensitive investigations.
“I have asked the AFP’s Audit Committee to conduct regular monitoring to ensure full implementation of the options adopted from this report,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“Implementing the options will provide a consistent approach, ensuring that sensitive investigations are quickly identified, have regular senior executive oversight and are handled in line with the public interest.”
The Review observed the AFP had already recognised some shortcomings in investigational governance and structural arrangements and had taken interim measures to improve its processes.
“I continue to have the utmost confidence in the AFP’s investigators and staff who conduct a range of complex matters in challenging environments and who do so to a very high standard,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
The 117-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
