DASA and Dstl explore innovative solutions for future policing
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have begun exploring current market capability and development requirements for future policing initiatives.
Image courtesy DASA
The Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) are undertaking a market assessment of the availability of cutting-edge solutions and innovative concepts in development that will transform UK policing and security over the next 10 to 20 year period.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) are therefore exploring the technological landscape across a wide range of capabilities. They are keen to explore these areas further and develop a better understanding of the different technological approaches from academia and industry against the full range of commercial sectors.
This information will provide them with knowledge on the maturity of novel solutions that are in development and areas that potentially require further government investment.
This request for information, however, is not a commitment to subsequently launch a formal DASA competition.
The Home Office Science Commissioning Hub ensures the right science and technology (S&T) work is commissioned to meet the Home Office’s current and future challenges. It identifies needs across the Home Office and its partners, builds a prioritised portfolio of requirements, tasks work and oversees delivery.
The NPCC enables Chief Constables and their forces to work together to improve policing for the public. It coordinates the operational response across the service to the threats faced in the UK, such as terrorism, organised crime and national emergencies. The NPCC is championing this market exploration.
The College of Policing (CoP) is the professional body for everyone who works for the police service in England and Wales. The CoP recently published the “Policing in England and Wales: Future Operating Environment 2040” report, which was used to help generate the themes in this market exploration.
This market exploration is part of a range of activity that the Home Office Science Commissioning Hub is conducting in order to understand how future innovations could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of police operations; improve confidence and public engagement; enhance the strategy of prevent, prepare, pursue and protect; and anticipate crimes and criminals of the future.