Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force : Summary Report 1st April 2020 - 30th September 2020

Abstract

As the joint Chairs of the Operational Co-ordination Group, we are pleased to provide the ninth Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force report, which covers the period from the 1st April to the 30th September 2020. The report highlights continued high levels of co-operation and operational activity between all the various Law Enforcement Agencies involved in tackling the six priority areas affecting Rural Crime, Drugs, Financial Crime, Trafficking in Human Beings including Children, Excise Fraud and Organised Immigration Crime. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted crime and illicit economies such as organised crime, online crime, illegal markets and smuggling, human trafficking, robberies and burglaries and has added to the workload of law enforcement agencies. There are a number of challenges and emerging issues arising within these important areas that the agencies are dealing with. The Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force was set up to tackle organised and cross jurisdictional crime. In order to do this, it is widely accepted that partner agencies working together collaboratively is the most effective way to protect the public from the threat and harm caused by organised criminality. We are very grateful that all the members of the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force are strongly committed to achieving this and continue to work together to keep the people and communities on this island safe.