Section 3: Functions of SOCA as to information relating to crime
80.This section sets out an additional function of SOCA as to information relating to crime. Under subsection (1) SOCA is charged with gathering, storing, analysing and disseminating information relevant to the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of offences or to the reduction of crime by other means or the mitigation of its consequences. The function is in relation to crime at large, and not just to serious organised crime, as SOCA will provide information to police forces, special police forces and other law enforcement agencies in the discharge of their functions. SOCA may also disseminate information to other persons in pursuit of the reduction, prevention and detection of crime.
81.Subsection (3) defines a police force for the purpose of this section, subsection (4) defines a law enforcement agency and subsection (5) defines a special police force.