Police Digital Service launches new national IT platform for UK policing

The Police Digital Service (PDS) has unveiled the National Police Capabilities Environment (NPCE) – a secure, cloud-based platform designed to host and manage live policing IT solutions across the UK.

Built on Microsoft Azure, the NPCE will make it easier for police forces to develop, deploy and share digital tools, helping them work more efficiently and cost-effectively. It adds to the existing Amazon Web Services platform, giving policing a more flexible “multi-cloud” future.

Key benefits include:

• Faster, cheaper development of national policing applications
• More secure and consistent delivery of operational capabilities
• Easier collaboration and data sharing between forces
• Greater technical flexibility and vendor choice

Paul Guy, Platform Asset Owner for NPCE and ICT Director at Durham Constabulary, said the platform will “enhance everyday work by simplifying how IT services are managed and improving access to essential digital tools that frontline officers need to serve the public better.”

The NPCE supports ambitions set out in the National Policing Digital Strategy 2025–2030, including modernising IT infrastructure and improving interoperability between forces.

Its first two onboarded projects are:

• Prometheus – a system allowing investigators to securely access vital data and tools to protect the public, safeguard victims and apprehend offenders.
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition’s Find & Profile – added last year to help track and identify vehicles.

CC Chris Todd, Chair of the National Policing Data and Analytics Board, said the NPCE will help eliminate inconsistencies and “scale local successes into national impact.”

PDS plans to bring more digital policing solutions onto the NPCE in line with its roadmap, aiming to expand the platform into a central hub for innovative, nationally accessible policing tools.

At this year’s The Emergency Tech Show, co-located with The Emergency Services Show, the Police Digital Service and the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Digital, Data and Technology Coordination Committee (NPCC DDaTCC) will help shape the content delivered on the Emergency Tech Leaders’ Stage sponsored by Amazon Web Services.

Register for free now to secure your spot at the show on 17-18 September.