NSW Police Force IT systems and processes are built around the Computerised Operational Policing System (COPS), which has been in place since 1994. The Police Technology Program aims to replace legacy COPS infrastructure, introduce new capabilities and approaches to enhance the operational efficacy of the NSW Police Force.

In 2013 the NSW Police Force was allocated $45m to replace COPS. It developed a proof of concept in 2017 for a replacement system (NewCOPS), but did not deliver on this system.

NSW Police Force began the system development process again, under the title of the Integrated Policing Operations System (IPOS) program. An initial business case for the IPOS program was developed in 2018 and finalised in 2019. In 2020, the NSW Police Force selected a single vendor to provide an integrated solution for core policing functions. In 2022, the NSW Police Force terminated the contract with the selected vendor and is currently pursuing a multi-vendor approach. $104.8m had been spent on the IPOS program up to 30 June 2024 (NSWPF Annual Report 2023-24).

This audit may assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the NSW Police Force in planning and sourcing key components to upgrade core policing technology.