Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA)

This page provides an overview of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) for police officers, helping them understand key sections of the law and how it applies in their duties.

Overview

The SOCPA 2005 was introduced to give police new powers to tackle serious organized crime and terrorism. It provides officers with powers to arrest without a warrant and sets out procedures for dealing with criminal organizations.

Key Powers under the Law

Under SOCPA, police can arrest individuals involved in serious organized crime without needing a warrant, offer immunity from prosecution for informants, and take enhanced measures against criminal organizations.

Important Sections for Police Officers

• Section 61: Allows arrest without a warrant for indictable offenses related to organized crime.
• Section 71: Provides immunity for informants or individuals giving information on organized crime.

What You Can Do Under This Law

Police officers can arrest organized crime suspects without a warrant, offer immunity to key witnesses or informants, and conduct enhanced surveillance or operations against crime syndicates.

How to Request or Apply

To take action under SOCPA, officers should follow these steps:

• Step 1: Gather intelligence and evidence linking individuals to organized crime activities.
• Step 2: If necessary, seek immunity for informants providing critical information.