Next Generation Policing Scholarship

We are seeking two PhD candidates to work on this exciting project titled "Next Generation Policing: Effective and ethical use of AI and data science in law enforcement".

As data sources grow rapidly and operational demands on police intensify, the need for smart, ethical, and efficient AI solutions is more critical than ever. This program of work sits at the intersection of technology, ethics, and public safety. You’ll work closely with the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and leading academics to explore how AI can enhance intelligence gathering, streamline investigative processes, and support frontline officers—all while ensuring transparency, fairness, and public trust.

What sets this opportunity apart is the exceptional support, training, and collaborative environment. You’ll be embedded within the NSWPF, collaborating with a cohort of top AI researchers from leading academic institutions, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This is more than a PhD—it’s a chance to co-create real-world solutions that could shape the future of policing..

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The scholarship is generous, the research is impactful, and the mentorship is world-class. If you're driven by innovation, social impact, and the responsible use of technology, we invite you to apply and help build the future of ethical AI in law enforcement. Projects will be codesigned with NSWPF specialists, include a 6-month industry placement, and participate in CSIRO’s national Next Gen coursework and cohort activities. Students may pursue projects across a diverse range of areas including:

• AI powered video and image analysis for investigations and digital forensics (e.g., rapid triage; event detection; sensitive content detection and handling; secure deployment in NSWPF environment; interoperability)
• Fingerprint quality advisor at the crime scene (on device AI to score ridge clarity, suitability for national AFIS database, visual heatmaps, audit logs; evaluation against expert decisions)
• Integration of written text (LLM enabled interrogation of large documents such as “manifestos”; entity/location/threat extraction with verifiable referencing)
• Validation and court admissibility of AI enhanced digital media (data handling, reproducibility, standards and guidance for Australian courts, human vs AI performance benchmarking)
• Applying AI to process very high volumes of disparate video (normalisation, time syncing, stitching, geolocation cues, multicamera pathing, change detection, time linked playback, LLM search interface).
• Deepfake detection for child protection and domestic violence contexts (reliable detection/attribution for altered injuries or explicit deepfakes; workflow integration and standards).
• Cross discipline forensic link analysis (discover hidden links across biometrics, shoe/tyre/toolmarks, BSI, CCTV, modus operandi; real-time investigative leads).
• Search and rescue: AI assisted drone video analytics (multimodal integration—IR, LiDAR—real time detections, geolocation; ethics and governance).
• Workload and staffing analysis (AI models that incorporate calls for service plus environmental factors to inform staffing and deployment).
• Report taking assistants and COPS pre population (LLM extraction from narratives to structured fields; mapping to NSWPF modus operandi types and flags; human in the loop verification).

*If you have another strong idea that aligns with the objectives of the NSWPF, and the need for smart, ethical, and efficient AI solutions, we welcome you to apply.

Program Highlights:

• Work with leading academics in disciplines such as Criminology, Computer Science and more
• Work with a national cohort of students across diverse disciplines.
• Embedded training in AI and emerging technologies.
• Real-world experience through industry placements.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and industry experts.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Overview of the CSIRO NGGP Program: https://vimeo.com/852584622

Overview of the Next Generation Policing: Effective and ethical use of AI and data science in law enforcement: https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/funding/next-generation-graduates-programs/awarded-programs/next-generation-policing-effective-and-ethical-use-of-ai-and-data-science-in

CSIRO Next Generation Graduates Program 

• Funders: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), NSW Police Force (NSWPF), and the University of New England (UNE)
• PhD program length: 3.5 years
• Industry placement: 6 months with NSW Police Force

Funding and Support:

• Annual stipend: $43,333 (indexed annually)
• Training allowance: $5,000 per year (for 3 years)
• Travel allowance: $5,000 total.
• Thesis allowance: $840 total
• Cost of living support: $5,000 total (paid in parts: $2,000 at enrolment, $3,000 upon PhD confirmation)

Students will need to have formally accepted of offer of admission at UNE, and commenced their degree by 15 February 2026.