For any modern police force, the efficient and accessible reporting of non-emergency crimes is crucial, reducing pressure on front-line teams and improving access to information and support for the public. Traditional methods, such as phone calls and in-person visits to police stations, can be time-consuming and inconvenient, as well as costly for forces at a time when budgets and resources are increasingly under pressure. The Single Online Home (SOH) platform, developed by CDS (for NPCC’s Digital Public Contact programme), addresses these challenges by providing a user-friendly, 24/7 accessible platform for reporting crimes and accessing police services.
Hailed as the most significant change in UK policing since the 999-emergency number was rolled out across the UK in 1976, this innovative solution empowers citizens to report crimes online, streamlining the reporting process and reducing the burden on traditional policing procedures. By leveraging technology, the Single Online Home platform offers a more efficient and convenient way for the public to engage with police forces.
The Power of Technology
Single Online Home utilises modern technology to deliver a seamless user experience.
The platform is built on Optimizely, a powerful Content Management System (CMS), that empowers non-technical users to create and manage high-quality content such as crime prevention information.
One of the key benefits of Optimizely is its ability to manage content centrally, ensuring consistency across all forces. However, it also allows for customisation, enabling individual forces to add personalised content relevant to their specific needs. For example, a rural force might prioritise information on rural crime prevention, while an urban force might focus on other, more locally, pressured issues. This flexibility ensures that the platform remains relevant and effective for different users regardless of location.
Cloudflare, a web security and performance platform, is a vital component of SOH's infrastructure. Cyber security is a critical consideration for any public-facing website and Single Online Home, which is constantly under threat from bad actors all over the world, is no exception. Robust security measures are essential. Cloudflare helps to protect the platform by blocking malicious traffic, mitigating DDoS attacks and optimising performance. Leveraging Cloudflare's advanced security features and content delivery network ensures a seamless user experience without compromising the integrity of sensitive information collected on the platform.
Shaping the Future of Emergency Services
The future of emergency services lies in leveraging technology to improve communication and personalisation. Optimizely enables tailored content delivery, ensuring that citizens receive relevant information based on their specific needs and location. This personalised approach can enhance public engagement and foster trust in policing more widely.
AI can play a role in transforming services by streamlining processes, improving decision-making, and thereby enhance public safety. By automating routine tasks, AI could free up officers' time to focus on complex investigations and community engagement.
AI-powered systems can also analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns, predict trends, and therefore enable the allocation of resources more effectively. Additionally, AI can enhance communication between emergency services and the public. Chatbots can provide instant support and information, while virtual assistants can guide citizens through complex procedures.
By embracing technology and innovation, emergency services can continue to evolve and better serve the needs of their communities.
The Single Online Home Success Story
The success of the Single Online Home platform is a testament to the power of technology to transform emergency services. So far CDS has assisted the onboarding of 40 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales to the platform. By streamlining processes, improving accessibility, and fostering collaboration, Single Online Home has significantly enhanced the user experience for both the public and internal users within each force, and significantly improved the efficiency of reporting non-emergency crimes. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, shaping the future of the platform.
About CDS
CDS is a technology-led professional services company specialising in digital transformation. We partner with complex organisations to deliver innovative solutions that drive positive change. Our expertise includes cloud and cyber security, process improvement, user engagement, and print services.
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022.
In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.
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 joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
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.
As an Account Director for CDS for over 20 years, Ed has a proven track record of helping clients transform communications to deliver tangible benefits to their customers and citizens through a diligent, professional and results-driven approach.
