Every police force in England and Wales will receive a share of a £20m Home Office fund for projects aimed at transforming policing.
Investment in body-worn cameras, joint working between police and the fire and rescue service and using technology to improve efficiency were three of the key themes emerging from the scheme. Successful funding bids were also received for proposals to raise awareness of child exploitation, develop responses to organised crime, work closely with mental health professionals and co-locate services with local councils.
Policing Minister Damian Green said, “This government’s approach to policing has been radical and forward thinking. I am hugely encouraged that every single police force has shown the same attitude in taking this opportunity to develop new ideas and ways of working.
“We have some exciting projects in this year’s round, and I am looking forward to seeing the results. Plus, we have a further £50m worth of funding, which will be made available for innovation projects in 2014/15.
“By encouraging forces to work together and embrace new technology, we can continue to improve policing and increase efficiency in years to come.”
The Police Innovation Fund will be established from 2014/15 and will be worth up to £50m a year. However, ahead of its full year of operation, the Home Office has made a precursor fund of £20m available to police and crime commissioners in 2013/14.
Each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales was successful with at least one of the bids they submitted.
