Policing under pressure: How AI and better systems can boost staff retention

In the high-pressure world of policing and law enforcement, staff retention is more than a HR issue; it’s a critical operational concern. 

Today’s police departments face unprecedented challenges—rising workloads, complex investigations, and administrative bottlenecks threaten to overwhelm even the most dedicated officers.  

As these pressures mount, staff retention becomes a vital strategic priority, not just for maintaining operational effectiveness but for ensuring the safety and trust of the communities they serve.  

The good news is that technology, particularly AI, offers powerful solutions to transform these environments, making work more manageable, purposeful, and sustainable.  

The pressures facing Australian police forces 

Across Australia, police departments are feeling the strain of increasing workloads, administrative overload, and rising complexities in investigations. In several states, police forces are facing significant challenges with officer retention, with some experiencing record-low rates. 

Officers are particularly feeling the burnout in rising domestic violence offences, with reports across the country highlighting a surge in cases, leading to increased administrative responsibilities and overloaded courts.  

Police Federation of Australia CEO Scott Weber said the current shortage was "the worst I've ever seen in my 30 years of policing" with thousands of officers leaving the force. He reported that officers are starting their shifts with up to 60 or 70 jobs outstanding.  

"That means members of the public aren't being responded to, but it also means that police officers are already starting with such a difficult workload, and they can never catch up," Weber said. 

In Tasmania, the Supreme Court is grappling with a backlog that hampers timely justice, with the Chief Justice blaming "unacceptable delays" in police paperwork for contributing to a growing backlog of criminal cases. While he had no criticism of the hard-working officers in Tasmania Police's Southern Disclosure, Chief Justice Alan Blow said apparent understaffing was having significant flow-on effects. 

Queensland police are also under significant pressure, responding to more than 100,000 jobs monthly. The state’s Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski provided insight into the dire burn-out crisis faced by frontline officers, describing them as overworked and "under the pump every day" trying to respond to their high volume of calls.  

Mr Gollschewski said the goal is to alleviate pressure on the exhausted frontline so officers could be more involved in proactive policing. “This is why the recruitment side of it and all the investment side in improved systems is so important for us,” he said.  

Understanding the link between systems and staff retention 

Staff retention in law enforcement begins with the work environment — and this is where the power of technology, including AI, can play a transformative role.   

When employees feel that they have the right systems and tools to do their day-to-day work, they’re significantly more engaged, satisfied and resilient. For officers and investigators, this means making sure they’re being supported by effective systems that simplify their tasks, reduce duplication, and enable clear workflows.  

Conversely, when officers are drowning in paperwork, overwhelmed with manual tasks, and struggling to access critical information, frustration and disengagement naturally follow. Inefficient processes can quickly lead to employee burnout, increased staff turnover, and the loss of valuable team members from the force.  

Harnessing technology to transform policing operations 

Fortunately, advances in digital tools and AI are providing police departments with solutions that streamline workflows, improve compliance, and reduce administrative burdens. These technologies don’t just boost productivity; they allow systems, services and processes to work together smoothly, greatly improving employee experience and job satisfaction.  

According to TechUK, one of the biggest problems with police technology is the lack of interoperability between the systems. Police officers often have to enter the same information in various formats on different platforms, logging in multiple times and re-entering data. It can also be difficult to share data with colleagues from other forces or partner agencies.  

Interoperability and integration between various systems, platforms and databases is key. Connected platforms allow seamless sharing of information, eliminating duplicate data entry and reducing manual administrative tasks.  

Streamlined investigations and reduced administrative burden 

At the core of these advancements is the need to make investigations more efficient. Traditional investigation workflows are often cumbersome, involving manual documentation, multiple hand-offs, and complex evidence mapping—all of which contribute to delays and frustration. 

Comtrac’s AI-assisted platform offers a tangible solution by automating and streamlining investigation workflows. Its features, like briefs of evidence and court-ready document generation, cut through administrative complexity, saving valuable time and reducing errors.  

By decreasing administrative load, officers can spend less time on paperwork and more on what matters: conducting thorough investigations, engaging with the community, and maintaining public safety. This shift not only enhances operational effectiveness but also contributes significantly to staff morale and retention. 

AI-assisted investigation and evidence analysis 

Another game-changer for the industry is AI-assisted evidence mapping. These tools enable investigators to efficiently analyse exhibits, identify key evidence, and generate clear, concise summaries.

For example, Comtrac’s AI evidence mapping solution can help cut through complexity faster. It accelerates the analysis process and helps uncover insights faster, reducing delays caused by data overload. In high-pressure environments, such efficiency can make a big difference.  

When officers see that their efforts lead to faster results and more successful outcomes, their sense of purpose and job satisfaction grows, encouraging longer tenure. 

Creating a supportive work environment with the right technology 

The integration of these innovative solutions fosters a more supportive and manageable environment.  

When officers are equipped with cutting-edge tools, they experience less burnout and frustration. This environment breeds retention; staff are far more likely to stay when they believe their work is impactful and supported by technology that enhances their capabilities. 

Furthermore, improved workflows and reduced manual tasks free up officers’ time, enabling them to focus more on community engagement and strategic policing. This not only benefits the community but also enhances officer satisfaction — a vital element in reducing attrition. 

The broader impact of technology on police culture and retention 

The future of policing hinges on building a resilient, engaged workforce empowered by technology. By streamlining workflows, reducing administrative burdens, and unlocking faster insights, police agencies can create work environments where officers feel supported and fulfilled. 

As the public discourse around policing evolves, embracing technology can also help agencies attract fresh talent, keen to work with innovative tools and progressive practices. 

Implementing advanced tech solutions signals an organisational commitment to modernisation and staff wellbeing. It demonstrates that police agencies value their officers’ time and recognise the importance of a positive work environment.  

As Australia’s law enforcement agencies continue to face evolving challenges, those that harness the power of technology will be best positioned to retain their talent, foster a positive culture, and build stronger, safer communities. For decision-makers committed to leading this change, now is the time to prioritise smarter systems and innovative solutions that put people first.