HC Deb 15 December 1997 vol 303 cc7-8W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what key objectives and performance indicators he proposes to set for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad for 1998–99. [21309]

Mr. Straw

We intend that the provisions of the Police Act 1997 relating to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and the National Crime Squad should be fully implemented on 1 April 1998. I have determined, following the consultation process required under the Police Act 1997, that the key objectives and performance indicators for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and National Crime Squad for 1998–99 will be:

National Criminal Intelligence Service Objectives: 1. To improve the quality of criminal intelligence available from overseas about criminals engaged in serious and organised transnational crime which impacts on the United Kingdom. Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in the number of intelligence reports disseminated which include material obtained from overseas and which fall within the highest two levels of the NCIS quality matrix. 2. To improve the quality of criminal intelligence available to combat serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom. Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in the number of intelligence reports disseminated which fall within the highest two levels of the NCIS quality matrix.

National Crime Squad Objectives: 1. To secure, in co-operation with the Scottish Crime Squad and other law enforcement agencies as necessary, consistent improvement in the quality of operations leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals or the disruption of criminal enterprises engaged in serious and organised transnational crime which impacts on the United Kingdom. Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in individuals charged and criminal enterprises disrupted who were engaged in serious and organised crime which impacts on the United Kingdom. 2. To secure, in co-operation with the Scottish Crime Squad and other law enforcement agencies as necessary, consistent improvement in the quality of operations leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals or disruption of criminal enterprises engaged in serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom. Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in individuals charged and criminal enterprises disrupted who were engaged in serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom.