A joint inspection of search application and production order processes: An inspection of the promised improvements from the National Crime Agency's warrant review in 2015

Published on: 24 January 2019

Publication types: Joint inspection and National Crime Agency

Police Forces: National Crime Agency

Summary

HMICFRS is required, under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, to carry out inspections of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

HMICFRS and Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) carried out a joint inspection to assess whether the NCA had made improvements in how it deals with applications to search premises and obtain productions orders, following recommendations in a 2015 review.

We reviewed a selection of search authorities, production orders and associated papers as the first stage of our inspection. We then made enquiries with 12 police forces about 30 of the searches conducted. The findings from this preparatory work shaped the focus of our fieldwork. We carried out observations, conducted interviews within the NCA and analysed relevant data and documents. We also spoke to the Crown Prosecution Service’s International Justice and Organised Crime Division, who regularly prosecute NCA cases.

This report sets out the findings of the joint inspection.

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The NCA’s Warrant Review Closing Report

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Joint inspection finds improvements in the National Crime Agency’s search application and production order processes