Criminal Investigation (Covert Powers) Act 2012 WA commenced

The 1st of March 2013 has been proclaimed as the day on which this legislation will commence (see Gazette 11, 25 January 2013, p 271). The Gazette detailing commencement of the Act also included regulations made under the Act, namely; the Criminal Investigation (Covert Powers) Regulations 2013.

Several related regulations were amended namely:

• Witness Protection (Western Australia) Amendment Regulations 2013

• Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2013

To recap the purpose of the now commenced Act is to facilitate criminal investigation and intelligence-gathering by providing for -

• the authorisation, conduct and the monitoring of covert law enforcement operations; and

• the acquisition and use of assumed identities by participants in covert law enforcement operations; and

• the protection of the identity of participants in covert law enforcement operations.

Note that the Act also amends the following Acts:

• Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003,

•  Misuse of Drugs Act 1981,

•  Prostitution Act 2000; and

• Witness Protection (Western Australia) Act 1996.

?TimeBase’s LawOne Service guarantees reliable, accurate and convenient access toAustralian Legislation from all 9 jurisdictions. Contact TimeBase for a free trial today.