Lancashire rolls out secure virtual desktop access

Lancashire Constabulary has implemented new virtual desktop software to manage police officer access to its restricted and confidential networks.

The constabulary has centralised control of sensitive data such as crime scene images, criminal profiles and case details and individual officers receive access based on their level of authorisation.

Apart from enhanced security, this centralised approach also simplifies the maintenance and support of desktops and helps to improve network performance, which in turn leads to a more cost-effective operation.

The virtual desktop solution from Quest Software provides officers with aggregated access to Lancashire Constabulary’s main network, as well as relevant restricted files via a single log-in. This not only ensures that sensitive information is protected in the virtualised environment, but it also offers police officers greater flexibility and resources when working from a virtual desktop.

Colin Fitzsimons, senior systems engineer at Lancashire Constabulary, said: “This enables us to maintain the confidentiality of our records and the flexibility to alter access as and when necessary. The speed at which our officers are able to view data from the network on their desktop is also beneficial as it improves productivity and increases workflow.”