Major investment in ICT reform

Around £26 million has been allocated to enhance policing’s digital capabilities. The Government has awarded £12.4 million to the Digital Policing Programme, which will be used to improve how forces capture evidence through technology. The money will also help develop digital engagement with the public and secure processes for transferring evidence between criminal justice agencies. Up to £10.5 million was invested in National Enabling Programmes, which aim to improve back office software and deliver more flexible IT access. Another £3 million was allocated to explore greater inter-force collaboration under the Specialist Capabilities Programme. The funding is part of the first round of allocations under the 2017/18 Police Transformation Fund. Paddy Tipping, chair of the Police Reform and Transformation Board, said: “I welcome the funding announcements made by the Home Secretary. This funding invests in vital digital and specialist capabilities that our police services need to protect vulnerable people in our communities. “Investments in police reform are ensuring that our forces can deal with the challenges of the modern policing environment.”