PDS positions TecSAFE at heart of government’s VAWG strategy

The Police Digital Service (PDS) has showcased its mobile safeguarding tool TecSAFE at this year’s National Centre for violence against women and girls (VAWG) and Public Protection (NCVPP) Conference 2026, positioning technology as central to delivering the government’s new strategy to tackle VAWG.

The event took place just months after the launch of the Freedom from violence and abuse strategy and brought together policing leaders and safeguarding professionals focused on delivering its three pillars: prevention, pursuit and support. Delegates explored how digital tools and cross-sector partnerships can accelerate progress towards the national ambition of ending VAWG within a decade.

The update follows PDS’s recently confirmed involvement at this year’s The Emergency Tech Show, announced in partnership with NPCC DDaTCC and event organisers, further underlining its growing role in shaping national policing technology priorities.

Tony Eastaugh CBE, CEO of the Police Digital Service, said technology must translate policy into frontline impact.

“Ending VAWG is everyone’s business,” he said. “Our job is to make sure technology makes the national ambition real on the ground, ensuring faster, smarter and more compassionate policing response to the most vulnerable in our country.”

Tony Eastaugh CBE.

TecSAFE adoption grows across forces

TecSAFE, a Home Office-supported mobile safeguarding service, has now been adopted by 39 police forces. The platform provides victims with discreet, direct access to police, alongside real-time location tracking and enhanced emergency protocols designed to improve response times.

Available in 43 languages, the service is aimed at supporting diverse communities and strengthening inclusive safeguarding practices.

Since its launch, TecSAFE has been used to help protect more than 33,000 vulnerable individuals, according to PDS. Forces have reported cases where the technology has helped prevent serious injury and potentially homicide, with one recent case study in Dorset highlighting what PDS described as a swift, life-saving response.

Craig Downham, TecSAFE Manager at PDS, said consistent application of the technology across forces was key to its impact.

“The right technology, applied consistently, saves lives,” he said. “TecSAFE is enhancing police emergency response and giving victims a lifeline that works across force boundaries. This is the kind of capability we need to tackle VAWG on a national scale.”

Craig Downham.

Next steps for national rollout

Following the conference, PDS said it will focus on expanding the reach and integration of TecSAFE as part of a broader digital safeguarding toolkit.

Planned measures include broadening adoption to ensure consistent national coverage, deeper integration with police control rooms to improve data flows and operational workflows, and expanded onboarding and training for call-takers, dispatchers and frontline officers.

PDS also intends to publish impact snapshots to support transparency and accountability as uptake continues.

The organisation said that embedding digital capability into everyday policing practice would be critical if the ambitions set out in the Freedom from Violence and Abuse strategy are to be realised.

---

To read similar articles, check out our Technology channel