Awards celebrate innovation in police technology

The Police Digital Service (PDS) said the awards will not only celebrate innovation but also “inspire forces to be more innovative with police technology”.

Eight categories will celebrate achievements in various areas:

Innovation Award: Recognises individuals or teams using innovative approaches to tackle police challenges.

Cyber Security Award: Honours individuals or teams going above and beyond to safeguard police systems and data.

Front Line Impact Award: Celebrates the use of digital data and technology to directly enhance services delivered by frontline officers and police staff.

Productivity/Value for Money Award: Acknowledges teams or individuals who demonstrably reduced costs while improving service quality or capabilities.

Accessibility Award: Recognises initiatives or technology implementations that improve accessibility, equity, or diversity within police workplaces.

Unsung Digital Hero: Individuals who work for policing in an ICT or transformation role make significant contributions but often go unnoticed or underappreciated.

Excellence in Leadership: Recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, significantly contributing to their organisation values and missive whilst inspiring others.

Excellence in Service: Recognises teams or individuals who excel at delivering exceptional service in police digital or technology settings.

Nominations are open until May 31. Judging will take place in June and July, culminating in an awards ceremony at the Police Digital Summit on September 12. Only UK based law enforcement agencies or PDS member organisations and their teams are eligible to submit nominations. Those wishing to submit a nomination should visit https://pds.police.uk/blog/events/police-digital-summit-2024/npcc-digital-data-and-technology-awards-2024/.

The Police Digital Awards will be judged by representatives from the PDS, National Police Chiefs’ Council Digital, Data and Technology Coordination Committee, and techUK (representing the supplier community).

Chief Constable Rob Carden, chair of the Digital, Data and Technology Coordination Committee, said: “We are thrilled to launch the Police Digital Awards 2024.  These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done by police technology teams across the country. Their dedication and innovation are essential in ensuring police forces have the tools they need to keep communities safe and secure.”

Ian Bell, chief executive officer of PDS, added: “The Police Digital Awards are a great way to recognise the individuals and teams making a real difference on the ground. These awards will not only celebrate innovation but also inspire forces to be more innovative with police technology. I can’t wait to see the innovation on display from the nominees.”