Section 9: Strategic priorities
91.This section gives the Secretary of State power to set strategic priorities for SOCA. Such priorities may, for example, cover the reduction in harm caused by drug trafficking and people smuggling. These ‘strategic priorities’ are to be set in consultation with SOCA and Scottish Ministers (the Home Secretary would also consult the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) and need not be limited in scope to the financial year in which they are determined. Under section 6 any annual priorities set by SOCA must be consistent with the ministerial strategic priorities.