Planning, commencement and critical decision recording for fraud investigations 110-11010000

For Intelligence and Investigations Branch only

This document outlines the process by which investigations are allocated and recorded, and requirements for an approved investigation plan and critical decision recording.

Case selection

All cases allocated for investigation have been subjected to analysis/ assessment by tactical intelligence teams and evaluation/acceptance by the Operational Management Committee for that site. Case Selection and Prioritisation Guidelines for each program are used to decide whether a matter is appropriate for referral for investigation, and to prioritise cases selected for investigation.

Gather admissible evidence

The Australian Government Investigations Standards (AGIS) state that the primary purpose of an investigation is to gather admissible evidence for any subsequent action, whether under criminal, civil penalty, civil, disciplinary or administrative sanctions.

Upon receipt of a case, Intelligence and Investigations Branch staff must ensure that case details are recorded and the case allocated on the case management system.

Approvals

An investigation plan must be created by the investigator and approved by the Senior Investigator or Approver before commencing the investigation.

During an investigation, all critical decisions must be recorded and approved by the Senior Investigator, Approver or Regional Investigations Operations Meetings as appropriate before the proposed action is undertaken.

Contents

Receipt of case

Creating or reviewing the investigation plan

Critical case reporting

Critical decision recording