Government Department or Agency Report of an allegation of criminal conduct

What is a Report?

A Report is a notification in writing or orally of an allegation that a crime has, is being or may be committed.

When to make a Report to the AFP?

An Australian Government Department or Agency can make a Report of an allegation of criminal conduct to the AFP National Operations State Service Centre (NOSSC) where an alleged offence/s occurred if it:

• identifies any serious breach of Commonwealth legislation
• considers the AFP Case Categorisation and Prioritisation Model
• considers the matter is appropriate for reporting to the AFP

How to make a Report to the AFP

For initial enquiries or advice prior to submitting a Report, Departments and Agencies should contact the NOSSC via their closest office or on (02) 5127 0000.

The NOSSC can provide contact information for crime type specific advice prior to submitting a Report if required.

All Reports should be made using an Agency Report a Crime form (DOCX, 100KB). (Please contact the NOSSC if you are having trouble accessing this document)

• The form contains details of the information to be provided;
• Ensure all relevant sections are completed and information is provided;
• Ensure relevant supporting material is provided. If there is a large volume of supporting material then an undertaking to provide it as soon as practicable;
• Failure to provide sufficient information and/or supporting material may result in the Report being returned or rejected. Urgent Reports may be considered in the absence of all information and material. These will be considered on a case by case basis in consultation with the NOSSC and/or appropriate representative from within the Command;
• If the investigation requires specialist skills or records from the reporting agency they may be requested to provide an appropriate person to assist; and
• For Reports alleging the unlawful release of Commonwealth information:
  • Ensure the harm statement section is completed or a separate statement is attached; and
  • Consult with the AFP prior to commencing any administrative and/or internal investigation. Any failure to consult may impact on an investigation.
  • Forms should be sent to the NOSSC in the State or Territory where the suspected offences occurred or to the NOSSC Canberra (NOSSC-Canberra@afp.gov.au).

Reports may be sent by email or post, or delivered by hand on appointment. Departments and Agencies should consider the security classification and apply a classification accordingly.

They should also consider sensitivity, volume, format and integrity of the information in the form when deciding how to send it to the AFP.

Once the Report has been received:

• The AFP will not share information with a third party, unless authorised under law and the reporting agency provides written approval or the disclosure is authorised by law;
• Where the AFP is required by law to disclose information to a third party, the AFP will advise the reporting agency;
• In determining whether an offence may have been, or is likely to be committed, the AFP may seek advice from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). Prior to sharing information with the CDPP, the AFP will consult with the reporting agency; and
• Where supporting material includes ministerial submissions or briefings, or originates from a ministerial office, the reporting agency should consider seeking approval from that office for the release of that information to the AFP.   

Media and Communications

Reporting agencies will consult with the AFP before making any public comment, including media releases or conferences, regarding a matter that is the subject of a report to the AFP. Subject to operational security issues, media releases will acknowledge the respective agencies' role in, and contribution to, the investigation.

Reporting agencies should inform the AFP of any briefings to government or ministers regarding the allegations prior to submission of the Report.

Reporting agencies will consult with the AFP before briefing government or ministers about an investigation after the submission of a report to the AFP to ensure consistent messaging, operational security and timing of briefings.

Exceptional circumstances and after-hours contacts

In exceptional circumstances, where immediate action by the AFP is required, a Report will be considered over the telephone. However the phone call must be supported by a written report within 24 hours.

After hours, contact the NOSSC on (02) 5127 0000.

To get an urgent response at an airport, 24 hours a day, contact the NOSSC on 131 AFP (131 237).

Terrorism and national security reports

Reports relating to terrorism or national security issues are addressed under specific protocols entered into between the AFP and agencies.