techUK launches strategic partnership with NPCC to ‘embrace opportunities presented by technology’

The NPCC says this partnership highlights it “commitment to work with industry to modernise its service and enhance public safety” in line with the aims of the National Police Digital Strategy 2025-2030.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday (October 16) which aims to raise industry awareness of the roles and objectives of DDaT CC, SICC, and techUK within policing supplier communities and police forces.

Its purpose is to promote a more transparent and accessible technology market in policing, fostering stronger relationships between policing and the private sector to support the shared responsibility of public safety.

“With regular engagement via working groups, events and forums, and participation in techUK’s Justice and Emergency Services Management Committee, this collaboration will promote stronger relationships between policing and the private sector, and ensure we work together to identify where technology can help to tackle the problems being faced by policing and the public, in a way that is ethical, transparent and proportionate,” the NPCC said.

techUK says the NPCC will be able to utilise it as a neutral to engage with the technology industry and tackle specific problem statements collaboratively.

The partnership also ensures ongoing updates on roadmap progress, invites feedback on National Policing Digital Strategy implementation, connects activities to the Police Academic Centres of Excellence for academic oversight, and incorporates public engagement and trust-building as key components of science-driven innovation.

Chief Constable Rob Carden, NPCC lead for Digital, Data and Technology, said: “In a world that is becoming increasingly digitally focused, I am determined to modernise our service and equip officers, staff and volunteers across the country with the tools needed to better protect the public.

“As a leading UK technology trade association and, in line with the aims of the National Policing Digital Strategy 2025-2030, our partnership with techUK is reflective of our commitment to work collaboratively with industry to embrace the opportunities presented by technology.

“With over 1,100 members from across the technology sector, I am fully confident that techUK is well positioned to ensure we’re having the conversations needed to drive this important work forward, with subject matter experts who can guide the changes we make and ensure they are proportionate, cyber resilient and sustainable.

“I look forward to working alongside techUK and their expansive membership to drive innovation across policing, tackling the issues being consistently faced by our service, strengthening our workforce and above all, enhancing public safety.”

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, NPCC lead for Science and Innovation, said he was “determined that policing makes the most of cutting-edge research and technology to better protect the public”.

He added: “Our partnership with techUK reflects a shared commitment to harness science and innovation responsibly, ensuring new ideas are ethical, evidence-based and deliver real benefits for communities.

Working together, we can turn innovation into practical solutions that strengthen policing and enhance public safety.”

Matthew Evans, techUK Chief Operations Officer and Director of Markets, said: “The MoU signifies the three organisation’s dedication to strengthening the engagement between the tech sector and policing in the pursuit of leveraging the potential of technology to improve public safety.

“By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, this agreement creates opportunities for dialogue, joint initiatives, and the exchange of expertise, ultimately supporting a safer and more resilient society.”