The paper presents selected elements of the informatization process of the Polish Police, having fundamental importance – in the context of data collection, evaluation and utilization – for effectiveness of investigative process and crime prevention in general, as well as for specific policing actions undertaken by the Police. An overview of legal basis and informatization programs of law enforcement institutions is presented in connection with even more general issue of informatization of public administration, together with considerations of evolution of general approach to informatization of the State and consequences arising and impacting law enfocement. An important part of the paper is analysis of the key informatization programmes constituting basis for information capabilities of the Police, presenting both successes and failures, and also consideration of the future trends of development of information tools and technologies in the context of Police activities in the EU Member States