Annual Report - COMPLETE - Australian Crime Commission

Glossary and abbreviations
Glossary of Terms
Amphetamines
A general term for the amphetamine-based group of drugs including
methylamphetamine, ecstasy and crystal methamphetamines (‘ice’). Illicit use
and availability of this group of drugs has increased significantly in Australia and
overseas.
Authorisation
The ACC Board may authorise the ACC to undertake intelligence operations or to
investigate offences which constitute serious and organised crime.
Card skimming
Copying the data from the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card using a card reading
device. The identity data may be used to create counterfeit credit or debit cards or
to commit other forms of fraud with the stolen identity details.
Criminal intelligence systems
Information technology based systems which facilitate dissemination and sharing of
criminal intelligence, including databases containing intelligence holdings which can
be interrogated by users.
Criminal networks
Fluid entrepreneurial-type networks with a core group or key individuals whose activity
may be localised, across Australia or extend overseas.
Desk
An intelligence analyst group which focuses on a specific area, (for example, illicit
drugs or organised crime). Each Desk has a presence on ALEIN, part of the ACC’s
national criminal intelligence system.
Determination
When authorising the ACC to undertake an intelligence operation or an investigation,
the ACC Board can determine that the ACC can use its special powers. Before issuing
a Determination, the ACC Board must consider whether normal intelligence collection
methods or ordinary police methods of investigation are likely to be effective.
160 I ACC ANNUAL REPORT 2003–04