Institutions that enforce criminal law

Question 1

Institutions that enforce criminal law:

Answer 1

• Victorian Police
• Australian Federal Police

Question 2

Victoria Police

Answer 2

• their role is to serve the Victorian community and to uphold the law to promote a safe, secure and orderly society
• the main institution that enforces criminal law in Victoria
• they investigate crimes, collect evidence and arrest and charge the accused.

Question 3

The role of the Victorian Police in enforcing the law is to:

Answer 3

• arrest accused persons
• talk to victims or witnesses about what happened
• look for and gather physical or forensic evidence
• question possible suspects
• charge people with the offences that most fit the crime
• conduct searches of people or property
• examine the scene (s) of the crime

Question 4

Victorian Police - Forensic experts

Answer 4

Forensic experts assist with investigations, who can analyse evidence such as drugs, paint, fibres and biological material (hair or blood).

Question 5

Forensic experts - Summary offences

Answer 5

The police has the power to prosecute these cases in court.

Question 6

Forensic experts - Indictable offences

Answer 6

• police officers undertake the investigations, gather the evidence, and charge the accused persons
• the information gathered is given to the Office of Public Prosecution (OPP), which is responsible for the prosecution in court

Question 7

Australian Federal Police (AFP)

Answer 7

• often works closely with Victoria Police and arrest possible offender, and endure investigations
• investigate offences that have a federal aspect.
  -includes offences that are against the law of commonwealth or a territory.
• relate to matters such as immigration and boarder protection, smuggling or terrorism.