11293 report 19 - CAIN - University of Ulster

B. Recommendation SummaryRecommendation 93: Development of Police IT StrategyPatten Recommendation:93. There should be an urgent, independent, and in-depth strategic review of the use ofinformation technology (IT) in policing. It should benchmark the Northern Ireland policeagainst police services in the rest of the world and devise a properly resourced strategy thatplaces them at the forefront of law enforcement technology within 3 to 5 years. It should bevalidated by independent assessment.The strategy should deliver fully integrated technologysystems that are readily accessible to all staff, and should take advantage of the best analyticaland communications systems currently available. Users of the technology should play a keypart in devising the strategy, and in assessing its implementation.Lead Responsibility: NIO/Chief Constable/Policing BoardRecommendation StatusFull compliance with this recommendation has not yet been achieved. (Substantial Progress).HistoryThe Independent Commission recommended an urgent, independent, and in-depth strategicreview of the use of information technology in policing aimed at positioning the Police Service ofNorthern Ireland at the forefront of law enforcement technology within three to five years.Thisdemanding challenge has tested their capacity since project initiation in 2000. The Police Servicedeveloped an information systems strategy in 2001 but by early 2004 it was evident that it wasunlikely to achieve a fully integrated system by the original target date. A revised plan wasendorsed by the Policing Board in December of 2004 and the Police Information TechnologyOrganisation (PITO) assumed the role of Independent Validator. From 2001 to 2004, most of thedeliverables focused on provision of IT infrastructure and improved access to legacy systems:Some 6,500 new personal computers and 2,500 printers were installed within DCUs andHeadquarters departments; all staff were provided an e-mail account; and introduction of acorporate intranet permitted easy access to duty briefings, policy directives, an electronic problemsolving folder and financial management systems enhancements. On 14 July 2006 the ChiefConstable signed off on the ICS Business Plan, a detailed accounting of how ICS intends to meetthe technology needs of the Police Service. Additions to the business plan include extensivedocumentation on risk management and a benefits management strategy that requires a rigorousprocess of examination and validation of user needs. The plan is currently being updated.Remaining Issues(As noted in Chapter Summary)116