With its ongoing existence having been called into question, the SFO needs a total revamp. From my perspective, I still believe that there is a role to play for such a specialized multi-disciplinary organization. There is no point in throwing the baby out with the bath water.
But investigating to meet the criminal standard of proof is an art form. There are so many considerations to be made, so many balls in play, that having the skill to keep an eye on all of them will (in my view) most likely be acquired through law enforcement experience.
I would like to see a current or former senior law enforcement officer installed as the head of the SFO. However, I would go even further. I would also move the SFO under the wing of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA – the UK’s equivalent of the FBI). The NCA would know best which investigations are appropriate for the SFO to undertake.
Source: The SFO is an investigating agency. Put an investigator in charge | The FCPA Blog
