A review of the structure of ACPO from 1985 recommended the introduction of TARC to replace the separate IT committee, Research and Development Committee and Communications Committee.

From The Story of ACPO by R B Johnson, (1992) Police Journal, 65(3) pp193-199 - The Technical and Research Committee assesses and reviews the needs of the Service in relation to current and potential use of computers, technical aids and communications. It undertakes and monitors research and recommends the development of equipment or systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. There are computer group, communications group and research and requirements group, standing sub-committees and working parties on such subjects as secure speech communications systems and data protection responsibilities.