NCJ Number
201305
Date Published
March 2003
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This guide outlines the Australasian Identity Crime Policing Strategy, which seeks to prevent and reduce identity crimes and increase assistance for victims.
Abstract
As the world increasingly takes on a transglobal nature, opportunities for identity theft abound. Rates of identity theft have sky-rocketed around the world, creating many problems for victims, including financial loss and ruined credit. In an effort to put an end to identity theft and to more effectively assist victims, the Australasian Police Commissioners put forth the Australasian Identity Crime Policing Strategy. This guide outlines the guiding principles of the strategy and identifies six strategic focus areas for Australasian police to address, each containing clearly articulated objectives and key activities. The six focus areas are prevention, victim assistance, partnerships, education and capability, resources and capacity, and regulation and legislation. Objectives are identified within each of the areas, and key activities are suggested that will help police reach these objectives. For example, under the focus area of victim assistance, one of the two objectives is to implement processes that assist victims of identity theft with timely and easily accessible advice. One of the key activities suggested to reach this goal is to explore the possibility of providing a hot-line for these victims. The format is meant to be flexible and to fit within different types of police organizations. The strategy mainly focuses on objectives and activities that fall under the domain of policing, but also turns attention to where other sectors could positively influence the prevention of identity crimes. References