Data-driven justice: modernising policing through strategic innovation

The National Policing Digital Strategy 2020-2030 highlights that information is the lifeblood of policing. However, police forces across the UK grapple with challenges related to legacy systems and the vast amount of data that these systems need to process. This blog delves into the strategies that can transform these hurdles into stepping stones, harnessing the power of data and connected systems to revolutionise policing and drive continuous improvement.

The legacy system landscape

Many police forces still rely on legacy systems developed decades ago. These systems might be challenging to maintain due to lack of technical skills and vendor updates, or reside on private infrastructure networks, siloed from other technology. Some are simply unfit for purpose. Unfortunately, siloed technology leads to siloed data, leaving police forces data-rich but often insight-poor.

Data plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. It provided insights into citizen behaviour and trends, facilitating the shift from reactive policing to proactive and preventative approaches.

But how can we connect siloed legacy systems for maximum benefit?

Bridging the gap: strategies for legacy system integration

1. Improving interoperability

Imagine a police force with a portfolio of legacy applications used by frontline officers, each sitting on separate data platforms. By collaborating with industry experts, forces can integrate these applications onto a single modern data platform, reducing the need to rekey information and ultimately improving data quality, speeding up data access and enhancing intelligent data insights.

2. The future is the cloud

Nearly half of UK police forces are on their cloud-transformation journey. Hosting systems in the cloud offers several advantages:

Scalability: A hybrid cloud approach (combining existing on-premise services with public cloud services) provides scalability depending on the forces needs at any particular one time
Cost-saving: whilst cloud infrastructure is often a cost-effective approach, enhanced scalability also helps forces manage costs only paying for what’s needed at a particular time
Accessibility: cloud-based systems allow access anywhere, enabling officers to work efficiency in the field and empowering all police personnel and IT teams alike

Consider digital forensics – a critical element of modern policing as it’s estimated that 90% of UK crimes have a digital footprint. By hosting forensics systems in the cloud (e.g. using Microsoft Azure Infrastructure services), teams can scale resources up or down as caseloads fluctuate. This flexibility ensures cost control without compromising processing speed and accuracy for active cases, as well as ensuring accountability and mitigating risks.

3. Enabling proactive policing

Connected systems and shared data empowers police forces. Leveraging tools like Microsoft Fabric and Power BI, forces can pinpoint crime hotspots and strategically allocate resources. For instance, data-driven insights allow targeted deployments during specific times of day, ultimately resulting in reduced crime statistics through proactive crime prevention.

The road ahead

Managing legacy systems and data is a complex task, but the right strategies – combined with support of a trusted technology partner such as Node4 – can lead to successful transitions. By embracing modern technologies, prioritising data security, and encouraging collaboration, polices forces can unlock the full potential of their data to improve service delivery for their citizens and ultimately strengthen public trust and safety.

Georgie Morgan

Head of Justice and Emergency Services, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.

Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/

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Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.

The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.

Prior to join techUK, Cinzia held positions within the third and public sectors, managing international and multi-disciplinary projects and funding initiatives. Cinzia has a double MA degree in European Studies from the University of Göttingen (Germany) and the University of Udine (Italy), with a focus on politics and international relations.

Email:: [email protected]

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Ella Gago-Brookes

Team Assistant, Markets, techUK

Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.

Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.

Email:: [email protected]

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Authors

Jason Downes

Transformation Director for UK Policing, Node4

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