NSW Police granted broad new powers to tackle gang crime

NSW Police are set to be granted broad new powers to tackle underworld violence, but the effectiveness of the move remains to be seen. The new powers, prompted by two mistaken identity gangland murders within 48 hours last week, will allow police to restrict the activities of those suspected of being involved in organised crime conflict.

What are Serious Crime Prevention Orders?

Serious crime prevention orders (SCPOs) are broad powers that restrict the activities of those suspected of being involved in organised crime conflict. Currently, police have to bring an application before the Supreme Court before one is made. An SCPO can restrain who a gangster talks to, where they live, what bank accounts they use, and force them to hand over passwords to email and social media accounts.

"Though rarely used, the orders are broad powers restricting the activities of those who police suspect are involved in organised crime conflict," said a spokesperson. The orders can also restrict what those on the receiving end are allowed to wear, what phones they can use, and what car they can drive. Those who breach the orders can face jail, as seen in the case of Ghassan Amoun, who was jailed in 2021 for breaching his SCPO.

What is changing?

The current process requires NSW Police to wait for Supreme Court approval for an SCPO, which can take weeks or even months. However, Premier Chris Minns has announced an "interim" SCPO that does not require a court's approval, essentially bypassing this hurdle for police.

"Premier Chris Minns's announcement on Monday of an 'interim' SCPO that does not require a court's approval essentially bypasses this hurdle for police," said a spokesperson. However, NSW Police face another roadblock, as they suspect most of the criminals orchestrating the recent attacks are not in NSW.

Detectives believe the heads of the self-proclaimed "Coconut Cartel" and the Alameddine crime family remain scattered across Asia, eastern Europe, and Lebanon. The utility of the new powers in stopping overseas-based crime figures organising kidnappings, assaults, and murders will be the first challenge for police.

Great powers, great responsibility

Those involved in the current conflicts plaguing Sydney's streets will be familiar with SCPOs, which were credited with stemming a wave of gangland violence between the Hamzy and Alameddine crime families in 2020. However, the oppressive nature of the SCPO saw some gang members move to other states to escape scrutiny.