NSW Police Force updates computer system

The NSW police force (NSWPF) has updated its 15 year-old DOS type program, Computerised Operating Policing Systems (COPS).

In 2009, NSWPF and Fujitsu Australia started working on the system, which is used by more than 15,000 officers to record crime information, intelligence and legal proceedings.

Following extensive consultation with staff, thousands of hours of testing and successful pilots at six key sites, WebCOPS was put into place.

The new system incorporates a user-friendly graphical interface and more commonly used web functionality.

WebCOPS can integrate with other NSWPF internet-based systems and allows police to generate and view multimedia files, including offender photographs and electronic evidence.

NSWPF Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services, Catherine Burn, said the benefits of the new core operating system will be enormous.

“The old COPS served the Force well for 15 years but really was nearing the end of its life,” Burn said.

“WebCOPS will improve the speed and quality of information recorded and its integration with other policing programs will negate the need for officers to log in and out of different systems, saving them time.”

Burn said it was driven to look for an alternative after the old system could no longer meet its demands.

“WebCOPS has brought our core operating system into the 21st century. It is the first phase of a program of works that will continue to bring operational policing and new technology together,” she said.

“We have built a solid platform which we can further enhance and integrate with our other systems, giving frontline police access to better quality information and saving crucial time.