AFP tech lab to arrest software glitches

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched a software testing lab which aims to identify and prevent glitches from being deployed in its live environments.

Dubbed the AFP 'Technology Innovation Centre', the Federal Police and its technology partners will use the Canberra-based facility to test new software programs prior to purchase or deployment.

An AFP statement described the facility as a "multi-platform environment which allows for rapid system deployments and evaluations."

The statement suggested products could be tested against AFP data sets in "real-time", with the results projected via an "advanced audio-visual system."

AFP Chief Technology Officer Scott MacLeod said the lab would help the Federal Police "identify emerging technologies in support of current and future operations and business needs".

"The centre positions the AFP at the forefront of new and emerging technologies and will play an integral role in enhancing the AFP's crime fighting capability," he said.

It was pitched as a means to "enhance innovative thinking in the field of ICT".

The launch event was not open to the media.

One source invited to the launch event told iTnews that law enforcement officers fighting cybercrime were rarely praised for their innovations as hackers are, due to the secretive nature of the AFP's work.

"An innovations lab would be a great way to encourage their efforts," he said.