NSW Police Review of ICT Functions

The Performance Improvement and Review Branch of the Department of Premier and Cabinet commissioned BSR Solutions to assess current strategies and programs of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) ICT systems, and the efficiency of their operations. The object of the review was to identify improvements that could be made to the effectiveness, efficiency and service delivery of the entities responsible for Information Technology and Communications functions, compare these against what is currently considered by the industry as good practice, identify where improvements to effectiveness, efficiency and service delivery can be made, and recommend appropriate action.
The NSWPF is the fourth largest police force in the world and has a long history in the adoption of technology, particularly in areas of communications, traffic, forensics, and electronic information systems servicing some 18,500 staff (including 14,500 sworn officers) in over 500 locations.
The NSWPF requires a high level of support from technology. It has a multiplicity of computer systems, a sophisticated communication network for voice and data, including conventional carrier services and radio. Apart from the requirement to support corporate, operational and forensic needs, there is a growing need to combat the use of technology by criminals.
The process of the Review involved consultation with NSWPF staff, and a review of existing documentation in an endeavor to identify the issues which impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the current operations and practices.