VICTORIA POLICE

CRIME COURSES UNIT

AVENUES OF INQUIRY

COPYRIGHT

The State of Victoria owns the copyright in this

work. No part may be reproduced in any way or
by any process except in accordance with the
Copyright Act.
 Address all requests to the Chief Commissioner,
Victoria Police, 637 Flinders Street,
Melbourne.

Amended: December, 2005

Detective Sergeant AZARNIKOW 24349
Version 2 Created 5/12/05

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

AVENUES OF ENQUIRY 3

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 4

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 5

STATE INTELLIGENCE DIVISION 7

Intelligence Liaison Unit 7

Information Services Unit 8
ALEIN 9

OFFICE OF CHIEF EXAMINER 10

APPENDIX “A” - INFORMATION SOURCE GUIDE 11

Police department 11
Government department 13
General matters 15
Specific avenues of enquiry 16

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AVENUES OF INQUIRY

Establishing an avenue of inquiry is merely the art of knowing what information is required
and then knowing where and how to get it in the shortest possible time. The range of
avenues of inquiry will very much depend upon the nature of the investigation in which you
are involved. This is not a science and simply depends on the personal knowledge and
life experience of the investigator.

The nature of the investigation will be divided into either (i) covert or (ii) overt investigation,
depending whether the investigator is concerned if the suspect is aware of “police interest”.
In circumstances where your are not concerned with the likelihood of the suspect becoming
aware of your investigations, one can be far more forthright in one’s collection of
information.

Considerations when collecting information

(i) Whether a warrant is required

(ii) Whether information is available in writing or orally
(iii) Departmental Policy / Legislation
(iv) Cost

Each of these matters is to be decided by the investigator before any requests for
information is made. All information gained must be admissible and legally obtained to be
of any probative value, however there may often be a wide range of information available
that will be of no use in Court, but may well point you in the direction of your offender.
This type of information is called intelligence and can sometimes be crucial to an
investigation HOWEVER unless intelligence leads to evidence it can end up being of very
little value.

The potential avenues of inquiry open to an investigator are practically unlimited. Some
inquiries are regulated by policy and regulation, and others will rely on networks that have
been established and maintained over time. However, their availability and development
depend largely on the personal ingenuity of the individual investigator.

It is feasible for the investigator to develop permanent contacts through avenues of inquiry
which are always accessible to him/her, and also to create opportunities for making specific
inquiries from casual contacts as the occasion requires. Networking skills are essential for
a good investigator. They should take every opportunity in their day to day work to
establish a rapport with all people they come in contact with to engender future co-
operation from them should it be needed. The investigator should not discriminate when
developing these contacts and should include all members of the community including the
criminal element.

Basically, avenues of inquiry are divided in into five categories:-

- General Knowledge

- Local Knowledge

- Police Department

- Government Departments

- General Matters

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The combination of these forms of knowledge can simplify an investigation and assist in the
prevention of crime.

It has been said that any investigator is only as good as his/her information, and while this
is a self-evident truth, there is a tendency to interpret the term "information" as implying
only that information which is received from criminal sources. The investigator who can
avail himself/herself of the benefit of information from a criminal informer is fortunate
indeed, and often produces dramatic results. However, it should not be forgotten that
the vast majority of investigations are solved as a result of painstaking investigation
with, perhaps, a little bit of luck.

Also, experience has proved it is often possible for the investigator to create his own luck
by means of a combination of opportunity and preparation. It is in this sense that his
awareness of the appropriate avenues of inquiry provides the opportunity to achieve a
result which otherwise would not be possible.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

There are certain avenues of inquiry open to an investigator by means of which he/she can
obtain information directly on application as a matter of routine. Some of these avenues
exist through the records systems of the Police Department and other government
departments. Other avenues are to be found in public records and directories and through
a general knowledge of business practice and social customs of the community. It is
essential that the investigator should have a thorough understanding of the potential of
these avenues of inquiry.

It must be remembered that the ability to exploit these avenues of inquiry depends largely
on the personality of the investigator and the manner in which the information is sought. A
pleasant approach invites co-operation. The time spent in developing contacts in the
organisations enumerated pays its own dividends. Organisations such as the major
Banks, TAB, Armaguard, State Revenue Office, Department of Immigration, local traders
groups etc. all have staff that are only too willing to establish strong liaisons with the
Victoria Police for mutual benefit in dealing with the crime in the community. If well
maintained these contacts will often provide information of their own volition to the
investigator once they are aware of the type of information they are interested in.

When the variety of these avenues of inquiry is considered, the necessity for the
submission of full and accurate information on a criminal's antecedents becomes apparent.
Antecedent information is only as good as the effort the writer of the antecedent puts in.
On many occasions when offenders are processed for minor offences valuable antecedent
information is lost due to a lack of diligence by the informant when completing the
antecedent report. Information about the suspects background, associates, lifestyle etc.
which may not be relevant to the minor offence may be crucial to a more serious
investigation undertaken on the suspect at a later stage. DO NOT DO POOR
ANTECEDENTS!!!!

When a suspect is being sought, consider carefully their background, occupation,

hobbies, interests, recreational pursuits, religious beliefs, family, associates and
places frequented. People are creatures of habit and it is frequently found that
offenders who change their residence and place of employment to elude police will seek

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employment in the same or related fields. Similarly, they will enrol their children in similar
schools join the same sort of social or sporting clubs, etc.

Inquiries along these avenues are possible only when the appropriate information
has been previously endorsed on antecedent reports by thorough investigators.

Colleagues in various branches of the police force will extend assistance providing their
co-operation is sought. When seeking such assistance, inform other members of the
nature of the inquiry and make them feel part of the team. Similarly, notify them of the
resultant value of their contribution. This preserves goodwill and ensures a continuing
liaison.

In dealing with members of other government departments, remember that they cannot do
the impossible. Much as they might like to help you, they cannot be expected to breach
their own regulations or the Privacy Act. Organisations such as the Family Court,
Department of Human Services, Australian Taxation Office, Australia Post and Telstra are
bound by an official oath of secrecy which precludes them from divulging certain
information. Investigators should realise this and avoid embarrassment.

Remember that liaison is a reciprocal process. Members of other organisations may

require your assistance. It is this form of reciprocal liaison which establishes permanent
avenues of inquiry. WARNING: ENSURE WHEN YOU ARE RECEIVING INFORMATION
FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS YOU COMPLY WITH ALL PRIVACY, FOI LAWS AND
OPERATING PROCEDURES.

Avenues of inquiry may suggest themselves as a result of the discovery of seemingly trivial
items at scenes of crimes or in the possession of suspects or offenders. Such things as
tram or bus tickets, rail tickets, lottery and T.A.B. tickets, dry cleaners' receipts, pawn tickets
or any other receipt or document bearing a registered number may suggest inquiries in a
particular direction.

Analysis of information received from avenues of inquiry during the course of the
investigation will often result in the creation of theories accompanied by levels of probability
regarding the who, what, how, where, when and why of the offence under investigation.
These theories will create further avenues of inquiry that will be prioritised in order of their
probability. WARNING: ENSURE WHEN YOU DO THIS YOU ONLY DEAL WITH THE
FACTS AND DO NOT ALLOW TUNNEL VISION TO CREEP IN.

It is only by means of a broad general knowledge of community practices that the many of
the most relevant avenues of inquiry can be uncovered and utilised to their fullest
advantage.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

As well as general avenues of inquiry which are open to all investigators, intimate
knowledge of one's local area can provide a wealth of contacts and potential information.
This understanding of a particular geographical area is known as local knowledge.

On arrival in a new area, the investigator should make every effort to familiarise
himself/herself with the locality. The appropriate starting point is in a perusal of the locality
map of the area in order to fix the geographical boundaries. The first opportunity should be

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taken to traverse these boundaries and to visit the principal places of interest in the area.
This helps the investigator to orient his position.

The investigator should introduce himself/herself to the members of the local D.I.M.U.
Office and the uniform members on the station and seek to enlist their co-operation. This
can result in an extension of their own facilities.

A perusal of the Photo's Book held at the district D.I.M.U. office will enlighten the
investigator as to the identities and addresses of local criminals and suspects.

Members attached to the station and his/her office will be able to provide the investigator
with knowledge of local hotels, billiard rooms, espresso bars, cabarets, places of
amusement, schools, railway stations, bus depots, bank, T.A.B. offices, post offices,
shopping centres, factories and pay offices where large payrolls are handled.

Licensed traders, transport systems, public utilities, hospitals, doctors, service

establishments and other places of interest can be indicated to the investigator by other
members.

The investigator should take the opportunity of introducing themself to persons in authority
in these places whenever he/she has occasion to visit them. Most of these persons are
responsible citizens and will welcome your interest.

In the case of the billiard rooms, clubs, cabarets, etc., the persons in authority may well be
undesirables, and the interest you display in them will exercise a deterrent effect. Make a
note of the names and addresses of these persons so that you know whom to contact
should the occasion arise.

Do not overlook persons at lower levels in the community. The letter-carrier, the baker, the
milkman and other tradesman, the nightwatchmen, garbage collectors, council employees,
traffic officers, transport workers, taxi drivers, shop assistants and others can all be of
assistance. They may be less reluctant to confide in you than persons of higher authority.
Even if you have only a nodding acquaintance with these people you have a sufficient
contact to provide a ready avenue of inquiry should the necessity arise.

A sound knowledge of local criminals can be acquired over a period of time. Always take
the opportunity of conversing with local criminals when you see them. In the course of
simple conversation valuable information often slips out. The criminal tends to credit the
investigator with greater knowledge than he/she possesses, and he may say something
significant which he assumes you already know. Similarly, the criminal may be emotionally
upset and tell you something which they regret later. Particulars of such contacts with
criminals should be entered in the investigator's notebook and official diary. This may
provide a valuable reference to his movements on a later occasion.

Regular patrols of the area, when time permits, are a profitable pursuit. Your mere
presence acts as a deterrent to crime. Take the opportunity of walking about your area as
often as possible. In this way you are in direct contact with the public. People are more
likely to stop a policeman in the street and talk to him than they are to stop a passing police
car.

Irrespective of how long the investigator has been in a particular district, he/she should
endeavour to learn something new about it every day. The more knowledge an

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investigator acquires about their district the better equipped they become to prevent the
commission of crime and to exploit the appropriate avenues of inquiry as required.

Visiting the local cells and speaking with those in custody provides a great opportunity to
collect information about what is going on in your local area and who is responsible, but this
is very rarely done.

The Victorian Freedom of Information Act

Many government and quasi-government agencies are required to lodge details of the
range of data and information available to members of the public, and these details are
known as Part II statements.

STATE INTELLIGENCE DIVISION

Background

The State Intelligence Division has the responsibility of creating and maintaining legitimate
avenues of inquiry from outside organisations on behalf of the Victoria Police.

Department authority for obtaining information is prescribed in Section 5.11 of the Victoria
Police Manual (Operating Procedures).

Traditionally many avenues of inquiry have been dependent on the ability of the individual
intelligence practitioner. However, legislative requirements in respect to the Commonwealth
Privacy Act and other state authorities have created legal difficulties with the release of
information not only from the provider but also to the intelligence practitioner and the Victoria
Police.

Pursuant to legislative authority, the State Intelligence Services Liaison Unit is currently
creating memoranda of understanding with a number of selected organisations with the
objective of eventually having online access from the State Intelligence Division. This process
seeks to avoid the difficulty with the execution of Search Warrants in order to obtain evidence
and information.

Although much information sought is obtainable by liaising with various Victoria Police Units
such as the State Intelligence Division investigators should still be encouraged to pursue and
make their own contacts and networks.

Intelligence Liaison Unit

The Intelligence Liaison Unit at the State Intelligence Division provides a conduit between
Victoria Police and a number of other organisations. Intelligence Practitioners must contact
this Liaison Unit to obtain information from all interstate, national and international LEAs,
statutory authorities, and other relevant institutions that may be the source of information.
Examples include, but are in no way limited to: -

State and Federal Police – Interstate Information

Business - Finance (Finance institutions and regulatory bodies)

Defence Forces (Intelligence and general)

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Government - Federal (Australian Taxation Office, Federal Departments)

Health - Medical (Hospitals, counselling centres, psychiatric centres)

Industrial - Professional - Trade (Mining, Research, Pharmaceutical)

Justice (Courts, Legal Aid, Sheriffs)

Miscellaneous (Car Rental Agencies, Migrant Resource Centres, R.S.P.C.A, T.A.B.)

Police Forces and Services (Interstate and Federal Police Services)

Security (Commercial Security Firms)

Social Services (Public Housing, refuges)

Transportation (International and domestic airlines, shipping, interstate trucking)

For all Victorian inquiries to obtain information from external services such as
telecommunications carriers, electricity companies, etc., members must, in the first instance,
liaise with Information Services Unit, which is the Victoria Police's designated office for
such liaison.

Information Services Unit

The Information Services Unit is part of the Special Projects Unit, Intelligence & Covert
Support situated on the 6th Floor at 412 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. The Information Services
Unit is the Victoria Police's designated office for members to obtain information from
external services such as telecommunications carriers, electricity companies, Australia Post,
and the like.

The Information Services Unit as of 07/04/04 will currently process requests for the
following checks:

a) Company Name & Company Directors current & historical (ASIC)

b) Titles (LANDATA)
c) Australia Post
d) Births, Deaths & Marriages and Change of Name
e) Centrelink
f) City West Water
g) Origin Energy (Citypower)
h) Origin Energy (Powercor)
i) AGL / Pulse Energy
j) IPND Subscriber Information
k) PUK Code Requests for Telstra & Vodafone Numbers
l) Subscriber Information for all Telecommunication Companies
m) Transurban City Link
n) Vehicle Securities – VicRoads

Forms for each of these checks are available on the Information Services website.

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You currently require warrants for the following requests:

a) TXU – Eastern Energy

b) City West Water
c) South East Water

If there is no form for the type of check that you require then you will be required to direct
your inquiry to the State Intelligence Services Liaison Unit, State Intelligence Division.

The Information Services Unit Website can provide you with the following additional
information: (Intranet website: - http://wt14i01/spu/info%20services/inf%20main.htm)

1) Full list of service providers

2) General information about all requests
3) What power company provides the service for most towns in Victoria
4) What water company provides the service for most towns in Victoria
5) What telecommunications company provides the service for all mobile numbers
6) Telephone area codes for most international countries
7) Every Post Code in Victoria
8) The Region & Division for every Police Station in Victoria
9) Procedures for obtaining statements from utility company representatives
10) Technical information relating to communication checks eg. Web traces, IMEIs, Sim
Cards
11) The costs related to each check for all companies

Australian Law Enforcement Intelligence Net (ALEIN)

The Australian Law Enforcement Intelligence Net is accessible via the Victoria Police
Intranet Crime Department Home Page. ALEIN provides enhanced information
management and dissemination through the provision of a single, common point of access
to the ACC information and Australian Police Forces criminal intelligence repositories.
ALEIN provides access to the information via a secure, encrypted network known as
'Asnet'.

Asnet is restricted to Australia's law enforcement personnel at the Commissioner of Police’s

discretion. ALEIN can be described as providing access to both restricted and unrestricted
law enforcement information. Access to the restricted information is subject to a rigorous
security and audit process for those users who have been granted certified access by their
jurisdiction and the ACC.

The systems that can be accessed via the ALEIN Home Page can generally be divided into
two broad categories.

1. Sophisticated multi-relational databases such as the Australian Criminal Intelligence

Database (ACID)

2. Simple document based information systems called Information Desks such as the
National Information Desks (NID), Fraud Desk and Publications. All other menu items
accessed from the Home Page fall into this category.

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These Desks organise their documents in a hierarchical structure consisting of Desks

and Sub-desks. A majority of this information is unrestricted and accessible without
having to log on. As such it is available to all personnel within law enforcement
agencies that have a general connection to ALEIN. For access to restricted areas of
information contact the ALEIN Liaison as listed below.

ALEIN Liaison Contact

Name Rank/Role Phone Fax
Ed Collins Sergeant (03) 9865 2851 (03) 9865 2996

OFFICE OF CHIEF EXAMINER

The Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004, (the Act) in essence establishes the
ability to utilise legislated coercive powers to compel un-willing or unco-operative
witnesses to provide information or documents specific to the investigation of organised
crime offences. The Act also creates the Office of Chief Examiner (OCE) which
conducts any examination of a witness subject to a Supreme Court issued coercive
powers order.

The Act represents a valuable avenue of enquiry to obtain evidence and intelligence
to assist the investigation of organised crime offences, coupled with a number of
confidentiality provisions designed to protect the integrity of investigations and the safety
of witnesses.

The Act allows for the application to the Supreme Court for a coercive powers order
(CPO) if a MOPF suspects on reasonable grounds that an organised crime offence has
been, is being or is likely to be committed. To this end the Act defines an “organised
crime offence” as being:

..an indictable offence against the law of Victoria, irrespective of when the offence
is suspected to have been committed, that is punishable by level 5 imprisonment (10
years maximum) or more that-

(a) involves 2 or more offenders; and

(b) involves substantial planning and organisation; and

(c) forms part of systemic and continuing criminal activity; and

(d) has a purpose of obtaining profit, gain, power or influence.

It is apparent then that ALL these elements must be present before an application can
be considered. For further information see the School of Investigation notes titled
“Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004”

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APPENDIX “A” - INFORMATION SOURCE GUIDE

The principal avenues of inquiry, which are of proven value in an investigation, can be
categorised in the following groups: -

(a) Police Department

(b) Government Departments

(c) General matters

Included among the available avenues are the following categories: -

Police Department

(1) Databases

a. Intelligence Holdings

b. Second Hand Dealers

c. LEAP

d. ACID

e. Prison Releases

f. Intranet

g. Internet

(2) Police Communications

a. General Broadcasts –via e-mail

b. Crime Stoppers

c. Media Releases

(3) Criminal Records Branch

a. Prior convictions, antecedents and photos

(4) Regional Response Units

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a. Mobile Duty Returns

b. Information reports

c. Intelligence Holdings

(5) Firearms Registry (Shooter’s & Pistol Licences)

a. Regional Firearms Officer

(6) Private Agents Registry (Security Guards and Crowd Controllers)

(7) D.I.U. & R.I.M.U. Office

a. Results of Search Warrants

b. Photos

c. Intelligence Holdings

(8) State Intelligence Division (See Page 17-18)

(9) Australian Law Enforcement Intelligence Net (ALEIN)

Accessed via VP Intranet (See Page 18 – 19)

(10) Uniform Branch including Divisional Vans (Mobile Duty Returns)

(11) Mobile Patrols (Mobile duty returns)

(12) C.I.U. Readouts

(13) TMU (running sheets, penalty notices)

(14) SOCAU (Database of jobs)

(15) Special Units

(16) Document Examination - records and examinations

(17) Local Station Warrant and Files members

(18) Warrant Receipt and Summons Books re process

(19) Special Squads and Facilities - Crime Squads, Intell and Covert Support Units,
Ethical Standards Department, S.O.G. etc.

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(20) Neighbourhood Watch

Government Departments

1. Department of Human Services

- Child Protection & Juvenile Justice

2. Prisons & Correctional Services

- CORE the Public Correctional Enterprise
- Attendance Centres
- Records Section and Security Division)
- Family Welfare Services
- Probation and Parole Division

3. Australia Post
- Local Post Offices, Postmasters, Postmen, Security Investigation Services

4. Vic Roads
- Licences – Transfers – Registration, (Car, Truck, Caravan, Trailer, Motor Cycles)

5. Telecommunications Companies
- Accounts, Investigation Section

6. Aboriginal Affairs Department

7. Bankruptcy - Federal Registrar and Official Receiver

8. Births, Deaths and Marriages (Government Statistic Office)

- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Deed Poll (Change of name)

(i) Titles - Land and Transfers, Caveats

- Probate

- Office of Fair Trading & Business Affairs

9. Real Estate and Finance Brokers Registrar

10. Private Agents (and Commercial Agents) Registrar.

- Private and Inquiry Agents, Debt Collectors, Process Servers, Security Guards,
etc.)

11. Public Transport Corporation (Trams/Buses)

- Bayside Trains, Hillside Trains, Swanston Trams & Yarra Trams etc.

12. Electoral Office - Local

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13. Family Court (Commonwealth)

14. Gas and Fuel Companies

15. Crimes Compensation Tribunal Records (based at Regional Magistrate's Courts)

16. Commonwealth Employment Service

17. Children's Court Probation Officers

18. Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)

19. Department of Human Services - Office of Housing(Regional Offices)

20. Liquor Licensing Commission

21. Veterans Affairs (Ex-Repatriation Department)

22. Armed Services - Personal, re-unions and marches, S.I.B.

23. Electricity Suppliers

- Eastern, Powercor, Citipower, Solaris, United,

24. VicRoads (Inspectors - Taxis, Tow Trucks, Boating Registrations, Private Bus Lines)

25. Bureau of Meteorology (Weather Bureau)

26. Education Department (Schools, Principals, Investigation Section)

27. Australian Federal Police

28. Hospitals and Charities Commission

29. Transport Accident Commission (T.A.C.)

30. Motor Car Traders Committee (Licensing)

31. Regional Water Authorities (Rated Properties)

- Department of Immigration & Ethnic Affairs Department
- Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs

32. Works Compensation Tribunal & Registrar

33. Australian Customs Services

34. Health & Community Services (Regional Psychiatric Hospitals)

35. Fire Brigades (M.F.B. & C.F.A.)

36. Victorian Casino & Gaming Authority

37. Ombudsman

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38. AUSTRAC – Australian Transaction Reports & Analysis Centre

39. Department of Natural Resources and Environment

General Matters

Victim & Suspect

(1) Relatives
(2) Friends
(3) Associates & Acquaintances
(4) Neighbours
(5) Personal Papers - Check phone numbers, addresses, etc., in diaries letters cards,
licences, permits and credit cards

(6) Clothing- Makers name and dry cleaner's marks may establish identity movement
associates

Public Generally

(1) Media (Radio/Television)

(2) Door to door inquiries (House to house canvass)
(3) Appeals in vicinity of scene, (Information Caravans)
(4) Trade or Association Journals

Directories

(1) Telephone (Electronic White Pages)

(2) Trade
(3) Electoral Rolls
(4) Street Directory

Other Avenues

(1) Australian Medical Association

(2) Councils - offices of employees - (Dog Registrations, Rate Office Building &
Planning Department)
(3) Transport - taxi and bus companies and drivers

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(4) Private Inquiry Agents and Loss Assessors

(5) Travel Agencies (Australian Federation of Travel Agents)
(6) Shipping Companies
(7) Airline Companies - offices and investigators
(8) Bankcard and other credit Bureaus
(9) Business and Trade Associations
(10) Professional Associations
(11) Churches and Church Associations
(12) Sporting and social bodies – Greyhound Racing Control Board V.R.C. Stewards
Panel (Licensed Persons)
(13) Employment Agencies (Skilled Engineering, Drake Personnel)
(14) Hospitals (Metropolitan, Regional & Private)
(15) Care and Resettlement of Offenders "CARO"
(16) Tradespeople
- newsagents and newsboys
- milk and bread carters
- garages (cars need petrol)
- cafes
(17) Furniture removers
(18) Estate Agents - houses and flats
(19) Hotels and boarding houses
(20) Banks
(21) Australian Banking & Finance Directory (for overall circulation to banks)
(22) Hire Purchase Companies
(23) Building Societies (Account Holders)
(24) Insurance Council of Australia
(25) Law Institute
(26) Internet Searches
(27) City Link
(28) Child Abuse Prevention Services
(29) Australian Volunteer Coast Guard
(30) Metropolitan Fire Brigade
(31) Trade Unions

Specific Avenues of Inquiry

Pro-forma credit check used by commercial companies to locate debt evaders

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(1) Last known address

(2) Last Landlord / Agent
(3) Spouses Employment
(4) Credit Bureaus (all status)
(5) Neighbours
(6) Bank Accountants- other Banks
(7) Electoral roll
(8) Relative on application form
(9) Relative on electoral roll / other
(10) Credit reference check
(11) Previous address / landlord / neighbours
(12) Previous expenses at local stores
(13) Licence and registration check (all states)
(14) Employment – Management / workmates
(15) Removalists information
(16) Gas / electricity / rates check
(17) Lodge / Church / Club connections
(18) Maintenance Proceedings / Warrants
(19) Telegram / letter sent
(20) Electronic White Pages
(21) Other checks (Aliases, schools, P.O. Box, Garages, Insurance companies)

Court Records

(1) Children’s / Magistrates’ / County

(2) Family Court of Australia
(3) Supreme Courts (State)
(4) Civil Administrative Tribunals (VCAT etc)

Financial Information

(1) Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

(2) Accountants and Financial Advisers
(3) Bankruptcies

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(4) Federal Court of Australia

(5) Banks and other Financial Institutions
(6) Cash Transactions Report Agency
(7) Chargecard Information
(8) Credit Reference Association of Australia
(9) Insurance Companies
(10) Social Security, Department of Human Services
(11) Tabcorp
(12) Casino Squad

Habitation Checks

(1) Electoral Offices (National and State)

(2) Electricity Companies
(3) Gas Companies
(4) Local Councils
(5) Housing, Departments of (Regional)
(6) Rental Bond Boards
(7) Real Estate Agents

Intelligence
(1) Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence (ABCI)
(2) Australia Customs Service (ACS)
(3) Police Forces (State and Federal)
(4) Criminal Records
(5) State Intelligence Division
(6) Security Intelligence Group
(7) Federal Intelligence Organisations (ASIO, ASIS)
(8) MAPS (National, State, Local)
(9) Bureau of Meteorology
Travel Movements
(1) Airlines
(2) Bus Companies
(3) Train / Tram Companies
(4) PASS Alert (Australian Federal Police)

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(5) Travel Agents Boards (State Agencies)

(6) Passport office (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) –
a. Immigration – Investigation and Malpractice Division
b. Migration Identification
c. Visa Information

This list of possible avenues of inquiry is not exhaustive and an intelligent investigator, when
handling an unusual inquiry, will readily think of many other avenues which can profitably be
used to facilitate the investigation.

THE KEY IS TO THINK WIDELY AND

TO PURSUE THE INFORMATION.

A FAILURE TO SEEK IS A
FAILURE TO FIND.

POLICE AS OTHERS ARE

ENTITLED TO ASK THE PUBLIC FOR CO-OPERATION.

Version 2 5/12/05 19 Review 5/12/05