About investigations

While all complaints are treated seriously, under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (the CC Act), the CCC must focus its investigations on more serious and systemic cases of corrupt conduct. 

Purpose of an investigation

The purpose of a corruption investigation is to:

• establish the facts relating to an allegation of corruption
• determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support prosecution proceedings or disciplinary action being considered, and refer the matter accordingly
• identify vulnerabilities and gaps in agency policies or systems, and advise agencies about possible corruption risks and recommend solutions to address them; and
• raise standards of integrity and conduct in units of public administration and promote public confidence by publicly reporting on the investigation findings, where appropriate to do so.
   

Investigative powers

• The CC Act and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 provide the CCC and our seconded police officers with special powers to investigate allegations of corruption.
• These include search, surveillance and seizure powers, and the power to conduct hearings that compel people to attend and give evidence and produce documents and other material.
• The CCC may conduct joint investigations with agencies, using CCC powers and in-house expertise in intelligence, financial analysis and forensic computing. 

Read more about our powers.