Organised Crime Task Force (Northern Ireland)

The Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) in Northern Ireland is a multi-agency partnership established to combat organised crime within the region. Its primary aim is to reduce the harm caused by organised crime groups through a coordinated approach involving law enforcement, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

The OCTF operates under the direction of a high-level board, chaired by a senior official from the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Justice. This board sets the strategic direction and priorities for the Task Force.

Key functions of the OCTF include:

• Developing and implementing a strategy to tackle organised crime: This involves identifying emerging threats, setting measurable objectives, and coordinating resources to achieve those objectives. The strategy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.
• Enhancing cooperation and information sharing: The OCTF facilitates collaboration among different agencies involved in combating organised crime, such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). This includes sharing intelligence, coordinating operations, and developing joint training programs.
• Disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups: The OCTF supports law enforcement agencies in their efforts to investigate and prosecute organised crime offences, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.
• Asset recovery: The OCTF works to recover assets obtained through criminal activity, depriving organised crime groups of the proceeds of their crimes and disrupting their operations.
• Raising public awareness: The OCTF undertakes public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of organised crime and to encourage them to report suspicious activity.

The OCTF plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities in Northern Ireland by targeting the individuals and groups involved in organised crime and reducing the harm they cause. It provides a framework for a coordinated and effective response to this complex and evolving threat.