(1)   To what extent is information acquired in criminal investigations shared between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and state law enforcement agencies.

(2)   Is there a common computer network available to both Commonwealth and State law enforcement agencies for use in investigations as opposed to the information contained in Crimtrac.

(3)   In circumstances where an AFP officer is investigating a matter, are there procedures or computer systems that automatically advise a state police officer investigating a related matter of additional information that may be added to the AFP investigation files.

(4)   Are there procedures or computer systems that automatically advise AFP officers of additional information which may be added to State databases.

(5)   In circumstances where an AFP officer is investigating a matter, are there procedures or computer systems that automatically advise ASIO of any additional information that may be added to the Federal investigation files.

(6)   Are there such procedures or computer systems that automatically advise AFP officers of additional information which may be added to ASIO databases.

(1)   Information acquired during criminal investigations is shared between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and State law enforcement agencies to the extent necessary to achieve effective and efficient operational outcomes under the relevant legislative and governance frameworks.

(2)   No.  Joint investigations between the AFP and State law enforcement agencies utilise liaison officers who have access to agency on line services.  Joint initiatives between the Commonwealth and State law enforcement agencies are further supplemented by installing AFP and relevant State agencies on line services within the joint investigative team to service the requirements of the investigation.  Information is readily shared between the Commonwealth and State law enforcement agencies through the application of a variety of non AFP information systems when appropriate.

(3)   There are no computer systems which automatically advise either the AFP or State law enforcement agencies of information regarding an investigation.  However procedures have been implemented to facilitate information flow between agencies.  In any investigation regular consultation occurs between agencies and in many instances agencies are co-located to facilitate information flow.  The appointment of agency liaison officers to investigations assists in cross-agency information sharing.  The AFP and State police conduct nation wide criminal history checks to access cross-jurisdictional information regarding persons of interest.   AFP computer terminals are being progressively installed in State Police Operation Centres (POC) to enable access to AFP systems for specific incidents or investigations. 

(4)   Refer to response (3) above. 

(5)   No.  Security protocols do not allow shared computer systems between the AFP and ASIO.  There are procedures which facilitate information exchange between ASIO and the AFP.  The AFP and ASIO have established a close working relationship, and share information through formal written request and verbally through regular case officer and senior management meetings. 

(6)   Refer to response (5) above.