Since 9/11, police and security agencies have worked hard to improve inter-operability problems, increase the level of information sharing both within and between regulatory agencies, further embed scientific approaches into investigations (e.g. forensic products) and generally improve the investigative function of police and security agencies.

This project will “take-stock” of the current investigative function of law enforcement agencies and generate a new, comprehensive vision for preventing and responding to serious crime problems in Australia. The project team will participate in a series of global forums that are part of Harvard’s ‘Executive Sessions’ in which innovative and influential policy and practice leaders from around the world will come together to generate new ideas for the future of policing. In partnership with our Industry Partners, the CEPS role will be to develop a "blueprint" for a new, comprehensive approach for responding to serious crime (2008-2010) and run trials to test the new responses in Australia (see Reduce Crime and Harness Technologies).

The project team will:

• Host high-level dialogue sessions with police leaders in Australia;
• Explore the barriers and opportunities for information sharing both within and across agencies in Australia;
• Examine the role of forensic sciences in helping to better respond to serious crime problems;
• Assess futuring methodologies that will better position law enforcement and intelligence agencies to anticipate and prepare for the future; and
• Develop a blueprint for paradigmatic change in Australia.