Researchers from The University of Queensland have strengthened their ties with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with the extending of a research agreement.
The $600,000-three-year agreement, with the option of a further two years, is aimed at developing reporting and monitoring systems to enhance the AFP’s performance and ensure it remains transparent and accountable to the community and to Government alike.
Professor Paul Boreham, Director of The University of Queensland Social Research Centre (UQSRC), said the AFP had been one of the first organisations to be involved with the Centre when it was established in 2003.
“The Centre has already provided valuable contributions in the areas of counter-terrorism and peace-keeping performance indicators, a revised and cost effective client satisfaction survey, and improved statistical techniques for identifying disruptions in trend data that require management intervention,” Professor Boreham said.
“Over the next three years we hope to build on that work to further review and enhance the AFP’s management reporting systems.”
Professor Boreham said the agreement would also include a scholarship for at least one PhD student and possibly two.
Commissioner Mick Keelty said the AFP had committed itself to the highest levels of integrity and performance and was very pleased to have a relationship with UQ.
“It is envisaged the University will play an important role in ensuring the AFP’s performance indicators will meet its future needs,” Commissioner Keelty said.
“A relevant and robust performance reporting framework is important for both external accountability and efficient and effective internal management.
“It also helps ensure that the AFP can continually allocate resources to the highest priorities in a continually evolving and complex policing environment.
“The AFP looks forward to a rich and productive relationship with The University of Queensland.”
Professor David Siddle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) said the extension of the research partnership with the AFP was recognition of the outstanding work being conducted at the UQSRC.
“In the three years since its inception, UQSRC has become the largest social science research Centre in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia, employing more than 50 researchers and statisticians,” Professor Siddle.
“It is this coming together of expertise and the quality of research being produced that continues to attract strategically important projects for the University and Australia.”
The AFP’s National Manager Performance and Planning, Federal Agent Julian Slater, signed the contract in Brisbane today (Friday, October 6) on behalf of Commissioner Keelty.
The UQSRC was established in 2003 to respond to issues confronting planners and policy makers during the current period of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. In such a complex environment, governments need to draw on high quality, evidence-based and problem-oriented social science research.
Media: Professor Paul Boreham (07 3346 9686) or Andrew Dunne at UQ Communications (07 3365 2802 or 0433 364 181).
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