EXPERT OPINION
TRANSFORMING POLICING
THROUGH TECH
Charlotte Hails, Head of Public Sector Vertical Strategy at Virgin Media O2 Business, writes for POLICE on how the modern-day technology can help police forces achieve operational goals and keep communities safe
The role of technology in modern policing is more critical than ever before, and forces must adapt practices to maximise benefits to service. Currently, technology can be perceived as a risk rather than an opportunity - a caution that, while understandable given the constraints of time and resources and the critical nature of policing operations, ultimately hinders both operational efficiency and effectiveness, and future progress.
Virgin Media O2 Business’ report with
the Police Foundation reveals that £1.4 billion per annum is typically spent on technology, however, the vast bulk of this expenditure effectively goes towards ‘keeping the lights on’. Continuing to pour
12 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
resources into maintaining legacy systems may keep existing systems running, but it fails to address the root inefficiencies that are hindering long-term improvements and innovation.
“Now is the time for police leaders to act - by prioritising digital investment,
fostering private sector partnerships, and championing innovation, they can shape the future of policing.”
Ian Dyson, former Commissioner of City of London Police, remarks “part of the problem is that police chiefs have competing priorities, so they accept at face value what others tell them about technology.” This often results in adopting disparate solutions that aren’t
integrated effectively. Instead of piecemeal adoption, police forces must take a more strategic approach, ensuring technology is properly integrated, supported, and aligned with operational goals. By working with trusted partners and enhancing digital capabilities, they can unlock the full potential of these solutions. By purposefully implementing and integrating readily available technologies, police forces can not
only improve operational efficiencies and realise their full data, digital and technology (DDaT) ambitions, but ultimately improve public trust through increased responsiveness. Embracing digital transformation should no longer be a choice, but a necessity.
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