Referrals from government
If an agency/organisation referring a matter to the AFP:
- identifies any serious breach of Federal legislation
- considers the AFP Case Categorisation and Prioritisation Model
- considers the matter is appropriate for referral to the AFP
- requires AFP assistance or advice in relation to an investigation being conducted by that agency/organisation into suspected breaches of Federal legislation.
Initial enquiries are to be directed to the AFP Operations Monitoring Centre (OMC) in the corresponding State or Territory where the suspected offences occurred.
All requests for the AFP to conduct an investigation or provide assistance should be referred in writing. In exceptional circumstances, due to the immediate action required by the AFP, a referral will be considered over the telephone, however the phone call must be supported by a written referral within 24 hours.
All referral letters to the AFP must include the following minimum requirements:
- action being requested by the AFP
- if the agency is requesting the AFP consider a joint investigation, detail should be included such as resources the agency will provide for the investigation
- the suspected breaches including specific legislation offence(s)
- details of the suspected offender(s) - name, date of birth, location (where known)
- criminal history if known and information relating to the circumstances where the person(s) has previously come to the agency's attention
- a chronological account of the facts or evidence supporting the suspected breache(s)
- value of the revenue loss or potential loss at risk to the agency
- a summary of all enquiries or investigations already undertaken by the agency
- details of witnesses
- if the suspect(s) is aware of the Agency's investigation/allegation
- copies of relevant documents relevant to the referral
- references to any specific legislative provisions including consent to prosecute or time limitation regarding commencement of prosecution
- copies of relevant legal advice, sought and provided to the agency
- significance or impact of the referral to the agency
- the agency case reference number and other reference including operation name
- details of the agency case officer and/or contact person including contact details.
A referral format is provided by the AFP to assist with addressing this information. It is requested that all referrals are submitted using this proforma.
Please see the AFP Referral Form (PDF, 44kB).
Where search warrants or operational action is proposed, agencies are requested to provide Standard Tactical Plans or similar planning documentation with referral documents.
Initial referrals may be sent via email to the closest geographic AFP Operations Monitoring Centre, including relevant referral documents (letter and attachments).
Terrorism and national security referrals
Referrals relating to terrorism or national security issues are addressed under specific protocols entered into between the AFP and agencies.