<P> CrimTrac is an intergovernmental policing agency that supports Australian policing through the provision of forensic and other information and investigative tools between state and federal police departments . The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) is national fingerprint database, administered by CrimTrac . </P> <P> Each state as well as the Northern Territory is responsible for maintaining its own police force which is responsible for policing at the state and local level . This involves general law and order, traffic policing, major crime, anti-terrorism branches, water police, search and rescue and in some states transit police . Local policing in the Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory and Australia's external territories is contracted to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). </P> <P> In some states, local governments employ by - laws officers or rangers to enforce local by - laws or ordinances relating to such matters as parking, dog ownership, retailing, littering or water usage . These local government officers are not considered to be police forces as they generally only have the power to issue fines and do not have the same powers as state police . They may rely upon appointment as a special constable or legislated powers for their authority . </P> <P> State police also perform certain functions on behalf of the Australian government such as the enforcement of various Commonwealth Acts and regulations in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police and other Commonwealth officers . </P>

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