New laws to track terrorists down
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Special new surveillance powers have been given to NSW Police, which will aid its investigations into terrorist organisations and organised crime groups, Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today. The Surveillance Devices Act 2008 commenced on Friday (1 August 2008) and will allow surveillance warrants to be used by police during cross border operations once the legislation has been recognised by participating jurisdictions. Mr Hatzistergos said the use of emerging technologies, including listening devices, optical devices, tracking devices and data surveillance devices, used to monitor and record information on a computer, have also been regulated by the new law. “This will mean that law enforcement officers will be able to obtain one warrant for a range of new devices, with the warrant applying in NSW and other participating states and territories,” said Mr Hatzistergos. “The duration of warrants will also be extended from 21 to 90 days, cutting red tape for police who won’t have to continually re-apply for them.”