Boeing £110m IT contract gives lift-off for PCC`s vision of `defining year` for force

A new name in police ICT has been handed a £110 million chance to help put a UK force at the “forefront of policing” — in what is thought to be the first deal of its kind.

Defence firm Boeing`s new contract to upgrade Staffordshire Police`s technology was handed out by police and crime commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis on Thursday (February 25).

The partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Staffordshire and the sub-division of the famous aviation company will also see for the first time a policing IT centre of excellence created in the UK in Staffordshire.

Boeing will bring transformational capability to Staffordshire Police, providing new cutting edge technology and greater opportunities to work more effectively with partner organisations and local communities — as well as extra capability in fighting crime.

Mr Ellis said the agreement was a “pivotal moment” which would improve capability and drive efficiency, effectiveness and savings in IT running costs, adding:

“Boeing is one of the most respected innovators in technology globally.”

Officers in the county have already been issued with body-worn cameras and mobile devices, which the force said would create time on the beat equivalent to employing 100 more officers.

Boeing beat 52 other companies to secure the contract, which could last for ten years. Last month it moved a step closer to today`s announcement when made the `preferred bidder`.

Mr Ellis said: “Policing in Staffordshire, and across the country, has fallen short of providing officers with the right technology to do the job.

“As crime becomes more complex, with borders for criminals swept aside because of the internet and social media, it is essential that we ensure police have the right technology to tackle crime locally and wider.

“Doing that requires closer working, co-ordination and communication with the wider public sector in Staffordshire but also the ability to share appropriate information more effectively with other police and security services nationally.”

The PCC said he is confident Staffordshire is well placed now to meet the “changing needs for the future”.

Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “Our officers have been hampered by outdated technology and a lack of real-time information to help them do their job.

“This IT partnership with Boeing takes us to the next level and will see our officers and staff equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which will put them at the forefront of policing in the UK.

“It will have a number of benefits for communities in Staffordshire including increasing the visibility of officers on the streets.

“Technology will also allow people easier access to their police officers. People will have a better experience when they interact with Staffordshire Police as officers will have access to more information wherever they need it, whilst in communities.

“Police will also have better information than criminals, leading to earlier intervention. This will help officers spot warning signs earlier due to the information they will have access to.”

David Pitchforth, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence UK, said: “Boeing is delighted to have won this contract.

“We will work hand-in-glove with the police and crime commissioner and the chief constable and her team to support effective policing across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

The Government has proposed greater blue light collaboration between police and fire services, which could see PCCs take control of fire authorities and help set up free schools aimed at preventing children from falling into a life of crime.

New working arrangements could also see the three emergency services sharing headquarters and back office functions.

In his New Year message last month, Mr Ellis stressed that 2016 would be an important, possibly defining year, for policing across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

He forecast that improving finances over the previous three years