Editors --- "From the Commissioner's desk" [2000] AUFPPlatypus 1; (2000) 66 Platypus: Journal of the Australian Federal Police, Article 1

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From the Commissioner's desk

As this edition of Platypus comes off the presses the AFP will be hosting the annual Conference of Commissioners' of Police of Australasia and the South West Pacific Region.

Police Commissioners from all Australian jurisdictions, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji will meet in Canberra and take the opportunity to greenfield ideas about major issues facing policing.

The theme of the Canberra conference ‘Crime @ the Speed of Thought' reflects the rapidly changing environment confronting law enforcement and the effect technology is having on the emergence of new crimes and the way those involved in illegal activities are committing crime.

The conference will also look at the opportunities and benefits offered by emerging technologies for crime prevention and reduction; investigative methodologies and improved interaction with the community; the identification of deficiencies in our current arrangements, including legislation, police practices and cross-jurisdictional evidence gathering; government expectations and reactions; unlawful opportunities (such as who will be the victims and complainants of traditional crimes via new methodologies); changes to the role of police; the role of the private sector; and projected requirements for human, financial and technological resources.

Many of these themes, which are critically relevant to the AFP jurisdiction, are picked up in this edition of Platypus. The timely focus of such discussions has been underlined in recent weeks by media coverage on the denial-of-service attacks on Internet sites in the United States, including the FBI website – a striking reminder of the reality of such emerging threats.

To assist in their deliberations, Commissioners will be addressed during the conference by national and international business leaders, subject matter experts and law enforcement officials. The conference will also discuss a range of other nationally important issues, including emerging drug trends, international cooperation and the Sydney Olympic Games.

A special guest at the conference will be Chief Commissioner Bob Visser of the Board of Chief Commissioners of the Dutch Police Force. Keynote speakers include Mr David Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Bank of Australia; Mr John Pinnock, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman; Mr Bruce Cox, American Express; and Mr Joel Schwarz, New York State Attorney-General's Office. They will be complemented by experts from the national and international law enforcement environment and academia.

It is expected the conference will lead to the identification of a range of key issues requiring advancement or consideration by Commissioners or through the Australasian Police Ministers' Council.