Current Law

Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 This Act brings into being the Serious Organised Crime Agency with the aim of bringing together more than 4,000 police, customs and immigration experts. Soca "law enforcement officers", will have new multiple powers and they will target international drug and people traffickers and fraudsters. Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 The Act gives confiscation powers to the courts against those convicted of offences. Applications are made by the prosecution body, to the Crown Court, to restrain (freeze) a suspects assets. The restraint can be places on the assets from the start of a criminal investigation Criminal Justice Act 2003 Freedom of Information Act 2004 This Act came into force on 1st January 2005, and gives individuals a statutory right to obtain information held by public authorities, subject to a number of exceptions. Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000