Part 1Introductory
F12AContribution to the reduction of crime
(1)
A relevant authority must exercise its functions under this Act in the way which it considers is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime.
(2)
In this section “a relevant authority” means—
(a)
F2the National Crime Agency,
(b)
the Director of Public Prosecutions,
(c)
the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,
(e)
the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.
F5(f)
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, or
(g)
the Financial Conduct Authority.
(3)
In considering under subsection (1) the way which is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime a relevant authority must have regard to any guidance given to it by—
(a)
in the case of F6the National Crime Agency, the Secretary of State,
(b)
(c)
in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, the Advocate General for Northern Ireland F9, and
(d)
in the case of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs or the Financial Conduct Authority, the Treasury.
(4)
The guidance must indicate that the reduction of crime is in general best secured by means of criminal investigations and criminal proceedings.
(5)
The reference in this section to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland is to be read, before the coming into force of section 27(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26), as a reference to the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.