4B: Institutions that enforce criminal law

What’s the role of police within the community?

The police have a duty to protect the community to promote a safe, secure and orderly society

What’s the police’s job if someone has committed the crime?

It’s the police’s job to enforce the law to ensure offenders are held responsible for their actions

How do police apply criminal law?

By preventing, investigating and prosecuting crimes

What does preventing include?

Involves deterring people from engaging in criminal behavior to reduce crime rates and ensure society is protected from harm

What are the 2 primary methods that police use to prevent crimes?

1. Police parole areas and maintain a constant presence in and around the community

2. Police educating society ad enacting proactive crime prevention to deter future criminal behavior

What does police parole areas and maintain a constant presence in and around the community involve?

Includes driving around streets in police cars or surveying areas where crimes are known to occur

What does police paroling areas enable?

Enables police to maintain social order and cohesion whilst protecting local citizens rights

What does police educating society ad enacting proactive crime prevention to deter future criminal behavior involve?

Police coming to schools or visiting communities to inform locals about the dangers of criminal behavior and consequences of breaking the law

What’s the aim for the police educating communities?

Police aim to stay ahead of crime rather than react after the fact

What’s the purpose of investigation within the role of police?

To identify potential offenders and collect evidence of their wrongdoings

What may police to required to do within investigation?

• Interview witnesses

• Search the crime scene

• Question suspected witnesses

• Collect forensic evidence

What’s AFP stand for?

Australian Federal Police

What’s the AFP responsible for?

They are responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting crime on a federal level

What year was the AFP formed?

1979

Where does the ADP have jurisdiction?

Within airports and have a branch of officers responsible for regular policing in the ACT

What does ADP have a role in?

• Guarding parliament house in Canberra

• Investigating serious and organized crime

• Representing Australian law enforcement internationally

• Protecting Australia’s national interest and security

What are police responsible for regarding prosecution?

They are responsible for gathering and presenting evidence to prove the accused’s guilt

What are Victorian Police usually responsible for prosecuting?

Summary offences in the Magistrates’ Court

Who handles indictable offence prosecution?

Office of Public Prosecution

What’s the main aim of police prosecution?

The main aim is too ensure criminal behavior is addressed in an appropriate manner where all facts are displayed for a judge to give a just punishment

Delegated bodies definition

A specialized government agency that has been given the authority from parliament to make and enforce laws within its area of specialization

Who do police prosecute and how do they do it?

People who have broken the law, by charging them with a crime and commencing legal proceedings against them in courts

Where are delegated bodies assigned?

They are assigned in legislation and have been passed by parliament

What’s the overall role of delegated bodies?

To investigate, prosecute and enforce the laws in their specific area, ensuring they’re well-versed and efficient

What’s the result of delegated bodies on police?

Results on a lesser burden of police

What are some delegated bodies?

• VicRoads

• Local councils

• Victorian WorkCover Authority (WorkSafe Victoria)

• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

What’s the role of the Local council?

To enforce local laws, like parking fines, that affect local communities

What’s the role of VicRoads?

Ensure compliance with road and traffic roles as well as prosecute offences, according to road and traffic regulations

What’s the role of Victorian WorkCover Authority (WorkSafe Victoria)?

Oversees and enforces compliance with health and safety laws in workplaces across Victoria

What’s the role of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)?

Charges and prosecutes people/businesses for failing to comply with tax laws and obligations