Newly Elected PCCs Eye Technology to Bolster Policing

June 26, 2024

Last month elections took place for 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales and we wish them well as they embark on their ambitious plans for the next four years.

Since the establishment of the position twelve years ago, PCCs have played a crucial role in holding their Chief Constables to account, establishing force budgets, and identifying local policing priorities. The incoming PCCs have identified critical objectives such as fortifying neighborhood policing, curbing crime, and improving case resolution, with particular emphasis placed on addressing issues surrounding retail crime, violence against minorities, and women and girls (VAWG), and a surge in knife-related offenses, all highlighted in pre-election manifestos.

With officer resignations now outpacing retirements, the need to recruit more warranted officers and PCSOs has been underscored by many candidates as well. Additionally, PCCs are exploring ways to reduce manual work and redirect officer time to the front line. Discussions have focused on using technology to reduce paperwork, increase patrols, improve resilience, and better support front-line officers.

Fortunately, PCCs and Chief Constables don’t have to look too far to find some great examples where technology is transforming police work, and benefitting both forces and victims of crime.

Since the last elections in 2020, forces such as British Transport Police, Cleveland Police, Gwent Police, Lancashire Constabulary, Leicestershire Police, Nottinghamshire Police, Northamptonshire Police, and South Wales Police, have all transformed how they investigate crimes, and manage digital evidence thanks to the NICE Investigate Digital Evidence Management System. In the process, they’ve realized significant time-savings from streamlining evidence collection, analysis, and sharing. They’ve also been able to secure earlier guilty pleas and remand decisions, and work more collaboratively with the CPS to ensure successful prosecutions.

In total, over 20 UK police forces and agencies in England and Wales have digitally transformed evidence management and investigations with assistance from NICE, and we look forward to supporting the newly elected PCCs as they deliver on their commitments over the next four years as well.

About the Author

Jamie Wilson

Jamie is responsible for NICE’s Public Safety field marketing within EMEA and APAC. He has worked within the Security and Public Safety industries for over 25 years, with a diversity of product experience. These include ID card and passport personalisation solutions for the financial and security markets to most recently helping to drive the rapid adoption and articulate the benefits of Digital Evidence Management solutions for the police. Jamie has a BA Hons Degree in Geography/History from Canterbury Christ Church University and a post graduate Certificate in Marketing (CIM) from Southampton Solent University.

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Newly Elected PCCs Eye Technology to Bolster Policing

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