The more intelligent solution to intelligence gathering

Intelligence and law enforcement software specialist, ABM, has revealed a number of additions to its covert operations suite, abmpegasus. The modules will expand abmpegasus, making it the most comprehensive software tool designed specifically for covert policing.

ABM’s new covert policing modules cover five areas of law enforcement: undercover operations, technical support units, prisoner and witness debriefing, protected persons and covert intelligence. Each module provides functionality to reduce the cost and time associated with administration of covert activity. The abmpegasus modules also improve compliance with relevant policies and legislation and help to mitigate risk. Furthermore, the systems improve the management of intelligence gathered from covert operations, ensuring maximum return on investment.

Tim Eatherington, managing director of ABM, said: “We have been developing systems to manage sensitive areas of policing for 15 years. Over that time covert policing has become more important, more regulated and more expensive. The need for coordinated systems to manage resources, save time and improve efficiency without compromising security is greater than ever. By expanding upon the highly successful abmpegasus system, police forces can now manage all covert activity through one system, presenting opportunities to save money on training and hardware.”

ABM software also proved vital in helping Crimestoppers cope with a 700 per cent increase in calls following the London riots and looting in August. Crimestoppers received 2,675 tip-offs – over five times the normal level of activity.

Michael Gordon-Gibson, Crimestoppers’ head of operations, explained: “The demand was phenomenal. The response to the publication of images following the riots and looting led to our busiest period ever; demand increased by over five times normal levels.”

Crucial to the success of Crimestoppers was the dedication of staff and volunteers as well as a new

confidential information management system, abmpegasus Information In Confidence, provided by ABM.

In 2010, Crimestoppers identified the need for a more robust, web-based solution for recording anonymous crime details – abmpegasus was selected as the best option due to its proven successful implementation in many UK police forces. abmpegasus Information In Confidence is used by police forces and other organisations to manage anonymous tip-offs securely, eliminating the risk of revealing details of the information source.

Working closely with Crimestoppers, ABM delivered a system accurately meeting the organisation’s needs.

Mr Gordon-Gibson said that following the London riots, abmpegasus experienced no issues whatsoever, despite a 40 per cent increase in simultaneous users, allowing operations to continue unimpeded.

He added: “Keeping track of anonymous information and reducing bureaucracy were important, but we were looking for resilience above anything else. abmpegasus went live in October 2010 and it has proved easy and intuitive for staff to use. It has significantly improved the way that actionable information logs are sent to police forces.”

More recently, the charity has launched Integrity Line, a service for commercial organisations wishing to provide employees with an independent and totally anonymous way of passing on information about wrongdoing at work. As well as providing additional income to the Crimestoppers charity, Integrity Line provides a valuable service to organisations seeking to eliminate malpractice in the workplace. Due to successful uptake of the service, Crimestoppers has identified the need for a new contact centre at its headquarters, due to open in 2012.

Mr Eatherington added: “We are delighted that our software is helping Crimestoppers to continue its invaluable work in identifying the perpetrators of crime. Thanks to abmpegasus, callers to Crimestoppers can be assured the information they provide remains completely anonymous, is securely s