The Northern Territory Police Force is relying on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to enhance its digital investigative capabilities. 

Reports have revealed a partnership that enables NT Police to utilise federal powers for searching digital devices, a necessity that arises from what has been described as “archaic” territory legislation.

The NT Police's reliance on federal assistance was highlighted in a submission (PDF) to a recent inquiry focusing on law enforcement's adaptability to cybercrime. 

The submission criticises the current legal framework within the Northern Territory as inadequate for the modern digital landscape, particularly in the domains of digital device searches, evidence gathering, and cryptocurrency handling.

“This has resulted in, wherever possible, NT Police partnering with the AFP to allow the use of Commonwealth digital search powers as a workaround of the archaic NT legislation,” the force disclosed.

The challenge of accessing encrypted communications and devices is a significant hurdle for the NT Police, potentially hampering their efforts to address crime effectively. 

The force has expressed an interest in revising legislation to better align with contemporary technological advancements and community expectations.

To address these challenges, the NT Police are calling for a comprehensive review of policies, procedures, and legislation across Australia and internationally. 

Their goal is to establish uniform national legislation and best practices that could be adopted universally, thereby enhancing cooperation and interoperability between jurisdictions.