In November 2016, the Ombudsman completed a review of powers given to police under the Crimes (Criminal Organisations Control) Act 2012. Under the Act, the Supreme Court can declare that an organisation is a ‘criminal organisation’ and make control orders which can prevent members from associating with each other, recruiting others to the organisation, and to stop them from participating in certain activities, including working in high risk industries.

Our report found that no organisation has been declared to be a criminal organisation under the scheme. We conclude that police found the scheme too cumbersome and resource-intensive to use and preferred using the alternative powers available to them to disrupt criminal organisations. Our report therefore recommends that the Act should be repealed.