POCA contains search and seizure powers to prevent the dissipation of property that may be used to satisfy a future confiscation order following a conviction. Their use must be authorised by a senior officer. Previously, an Accredited Financial Investigator (AFI) could obtain that authorisation from a senior civilian AFI, working for a police force, but not from a senior police officer. The Act allows for AFIs to receive authorisation from a senior police officer.
Other provisions in Part 1 Levels of authorisation needed for the use of POCA search and seizure powers