WA Police shortlists technology projects for recognition

WA Police will specifically recognise teams working on technology projects for the first time in its annual recognition of excellence awards, in a nod to the growing role for IT in frontline policing.

The force has shortlisted four teams for the inaugural award: from its family violence division; infrastructure operations and radio and electronic services; the operational leadership and development unit; and program delivery function.

“The introduction of a ‘technology’ category into our annual awards program reinforces to me the positive impact technology is having on all aspects of policing, and to see this field of work being more formally recognised is testament to the great project outcomes being achieved across the agency,” Commander Lance Martin from WA Police Force’s technology portfolio told iTnews.

“Whether it be the rollout of technology that provides enhanced officer safety and improved supervisor situational awareness, or the development of mobile-based technologies to streamline important policing duties and processes, the continual modernisation of our police force means we can deliver a more efficient policing service to the community, while keeping our officers safer.”

The family violence team worked with Motorola “to use advances in mobile technology to reduce time-consuming manual processes, provide greater governance and enhance the exchange of information between agencies,” according to finalist documentation sighted by iTnews.

“By improving such processes, frontline officers are providing a high level of protection and support to victims of family violence and are being better supported in their efforts to make perpetrators of family violence accountable for their actions,” it states.

The delivery of ICT components of the WA Police Force’s state operations command centre, an “immersive promotion system” to assess police officers seeking promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Senior Sergeant, and the rollout of body-worn cameras to frontline officers are also up for recognition.

The force will announce the winner on Thursday.