Street review: A Review of Interoperability Between the AFP and Its National Security Partners

• NCJ Number: 222497
• Author(s): Sir Laurence Street; Martin Brady; Ken Moroney
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Australian Federal Police
• Sale Source: Australian Federal Police
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Downloaded April 29, 2008

Annotation

This report presents the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Security Operations Review Committee’s assessment of the AFP’s national security operations and the effect of the interaction between the AFP and its national security agency partners in carrying such operations.

Abstract

During the examination or review process, the Committee found significant progress between all the parties involved in safeguarding national security in maximizing their interoperability. The Committee did not find major impediments to the ability or will to improve interoperability between national security agency partners. However, several areas were noted by the Committee where improved structures, processes, and systems are required. Recommendations are presented within the areas of operational decisionmaking processes, joint taskforce arrangements, information sharing, and training and education that can be implemented within the existing legislative framework through executive action. Highlights of the recommendations include: (1) a Joint Operations Protocol between Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) be adopted formally establishing a mechanism vesting responsibility in the AFP Deputy Commissioner for National Security and the relevant ASIO Deputy Director; (2) the AFP develop an integrated information technology system that meets national security standards for national counterterrorism information, and that the AFP and ASIO cooperate in developing a protocol which provides for the automated sharing of information through such a system; and (3) AFP request that the National Counter-Terrorism Committee facilitate exercises that specifically address the problems involved in investigating and prosecuting terrorist offenders. In November 2007, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner appointed a committee to review and report on the AFP’s national security operations and the effect of the interaction between the AFP and its national security agency partners in relation to those operations. The results and recommendations of the review are presented and discussed in detail in this report. Appendix