Shaping the future of policing

Building on a longstanding history of successful collaboration dating back three decades, the two organisations have signed a deed of understanding that ensures collaboration and innovation to accommodate the changing landscape of law enforcement.

The two will collaborate on investment and innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, IT infrastructure development, forensic science capabilities that will enable the AFP to strengthen its operational readiness. 

UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt said that translation of research into operational outcomes for real-world impact, and corporate training and upskilling would help shape the future of policing, innovation and AI readiness.

“Together, we will expand our work across research, co-investment, capability planning and workforce development, while exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies like AI.

“Just as importantly, this collaboration will help empower the next generation, creating new learning pathways and hands-on collaboration opportunities for staff and students to engage directly with the challenges of modern policing, and to contribute to the solutions that drive real change. 

“Through this partnership, UTS is proud to be a trusted partner for policing in Australia, supporting the AFP in its role as an evidence-based, innovation-driven agency working to keep our communities safe,” Professor Parfitt said. 

“Almost every investigation now has a technology aspect to it,” Deputy Commissioner Capability (DCC) Ian McCartney stated in his address at the MoU (Deed of Understanding) signing event held on Friday 10 April 2026.

“This deed strengthens the AFP’s ability to meet future policing challenges as technology evolves. Our partnership with UTS will help us translate innovation into operational capability and build our people’s confidence to use emerging technologies responsibly,” DCC McCartney stated.

The partnership between UTS and AFP dates back to 1996 with the UTS Centre for Forensic Science, and has grown to include research projects, training and secondments, and the shared use of specialist facilities – including the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), the first facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. 

In 2025 UTS established the UTS Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science.  Finalists for this prize received recognition for enhancing national security, law enforcement and justice by combining scientific research with the needs of modern policing.

Among upcoming initiatives, an AI literacy Enterprise Learning pilot will commence in 2026.