Harmonising police cooperation laws in Australia and the European Union: the tension between local/national and national/supranational interests

Abstract

This article gives a background to police cooperation approaches in both Australia and the EU. Cooperation strategies are divided into Australian Federal/European Union strategies and regional (Australian state and territory and EU member states) cooperation strategies. Examples are highlighted where cooperation is hampered by national or state and territory sovereignty interests. Problems are discussed in relation to both entities, such as the different legal regimes, lack of trust, media attention and funding, the importance of the ‘personal factor’ andeducation. This article focuses in particular on the role of the practitioner. Practitioners, on the one hand, may overcome the negative attitude of their organisations and develop personal networks which transcend borders. On the other hand, a practitioner can embody the obstructive attitude of the organisation he/she represents. The article concludes by giving recommendations for future legislative and practical responses to the existing problems.