Police tech and construction investment to top £700m
Analysis of 2016-2017 figures from forces in England and Wales reveals a total spend of £732m planned, with headline schemes in collaborative technology and buildings.
The spreadsheet by specialist newsletter Police Market Report finds much of this is funded by reserves, which will top £1 billion in 2016.17.
Collaborative initiatives have a substantially higher profile in this year’s breakdown which examines spending across more than 30 application categories.
Preparation work for round one of Emergency Service Network delivery means radio replacement related spending is up 80% on the previous year.
Forces are also widening digital boundaries in terms of storage, evidence handling and monitoring.
Data estates are growing with several major repositories in the pipeline for 2016-2017. This is paralleled by several major new builds planned to enhance collaboration and support agile working.
Technology investment will be augmented by 2016.17 Innovation Funding, which this year totals £55m. A sample of the 140 bids examined by Police Market Report finds around two thirds are tech related. Favoured schemes include various platforms for sharing information and customer contact.
Transformation schemes started in 2015.16 have dented reserves by 24%. However this year’s finance settlement, which drew back from major cuts, created some breathing room.
There are several outstanding themes. The tech imperative remains do more with less money. A newer trend is the move to inclusive new builds to accommodate other blue-lights. More can be expected via the Innovation and Transformation Fund.
John Rowland, Police Market Report editor, commented “reserve levels indicate that most forces are prepared for change financially. There are several which look vulnerable, leaving aside the handful which have already opted for wholesale outsourcing.”
“A great deal hinges on the success of ESN. A smooth changeover is vital to keep everything on course and in budget.”