An overhaul to frontline officers and changes to the allocation of resources form part of a vision for policing over the next decade outlined in a Police Blue Paper released by the Chief Commissioner.  Outsourcing and volunteerism unfortunately seem to be its key planks as the report looks at more civilianisation of functions and recommends this path along with a concept of limited legal power positions to perform some of the functions of the full sworn role.  Our CC notes that Police do not have an integrated approach to information management and the reliance on LEAP is problematic while part 2 of the report looks at what VPS and specialist staff do, and what could be done by external providers, private or not for profit, and then what is best left for VPS.

It also canvasses the option of work going to other government departments where an interface exists and options for greater private sector involvement.  Heavy reference to the UK model emerges here as the report canvasses a range of functions and service delivery options for consideration including a big push to what looks like outsourcing admin and other support roles.  The report notes that there could be the development of a centre of excellence for forensic technology to service the whole of Australia.

Not surprisingly the Blue Paper has received a lukewarm response from Government, Opposition, ourselves, and other key stakeholders.