Source : Perth Now news
NSW is boosting its tech arsenal to fight organised crime with a huge investment that will give police the digital infrastructure needed to outpace criminals.
Authorities found organised crime figures use digital platforms to carry out serious crimes through “click to order” criminal services on encrypted mobile devices and the dark web.
Mobile phones also hold 60 times more data than phones that were seized a decade ago, which police must analyse and store for 99 years.
To strengthen capabilities within the NSW Police Force and Crime Commission the state government will allocate $126m in the 2026-27 budget to fight crime.
More than $108m will fund major technology upgrades for NSW Police to invest in cutting-edge technology and digital evidence management systems.
Police will be equipped with nation-leading ICT infrastructure that will enable officers to police smarter and stay ahead of threats including systems that allow the public to report crimes and share location and live videos with police.
Platforms used for forensics, exhibits, intel, data, police vehicle terminals and mobile devices will also be upgraded so officers have the most reliable and modern tools where ever they are.
The NSW Crime Commission will also receive $17.4m to disrupt organised crime gangs and confiscate illegal and unexplained wealth.
The funding will allow more suspected criminals to answer questions at coercive hearings and give the Commission more capability to seize proceeds of crime, disrupt links between kingpins and hired thugs and hire more analysts and forensic experts to follow the money trail.
Premier Chris Minns said people were understandably concerned about the level of violence seen in NSW.
“These criminals don’t care who gets hurt and that’s why we will continue giving NSW Police every tool they need to hunt them down, break up their networks and protect innocent people,” he said.
“The reality is organised crime today looks very different to what it did 10 years ago. Criminals are using encrypted devices, digital platforms and sophisticated technology to hide their activities, and police need the capability to keep up.
“We’ve strengthened the laws, we’ve backed police operations and now we’re investing in the next generation of technology and intelligence tools needed to disrupt criminal syndicates and help keep communities safer.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said technology was changing and the government needed to stay agile to keep up.
“This investment ensures police technology remains gold standard and supports officers to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime,” she said.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the level of violence and blatant disregard for the safety of the public was completely unacceptable — and would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“Task Force Falcon alone, has carried out more than 500 arrests and laid over 1,500 charges, since its formation,” he said.
“Let me be absolutely clear: this effort is ongoing, and we will continue, every single day, to target, disrupt and bring to justice those responsible for this criminal behaviour.”
