As the threat of cyber crime continues to grow, Police Scotland’s out-of-date and ageing IT equipment needs investment of over £200 million to modernise it and bring it up-to-date.

The report, from the police service’s deputy chief officer, warns that urgent technological updates are now years overdue. Ageing computer systems will require modernisation to compete with the growing technological capabilities of criminal organisations who are targeting victims in increasingly sophisticated ways.

A recent £600,000 study carried out on Police Scotland’s behalf by accountancy firm Ernst & Young has drawn up an outline business case for the IT improvements, which identifies the need for investment of around £206 million from the Scottish Government.

i6 Falls Flat

In 2016, Police Scotland’s ambitious £46 million i6 computer project was intended to bring together more than 100 existing systems that previously belonged to the country’s eight police forces. After a series of glitches were discovered, the project was eventually cancelled.

In the report, Deputy Chief Officer David Page, warns: “Without a fundamental strategic investment in technology our current capability will continue to fall short in giving our officers and staff the tools they need to do the job to best serve our communities.

“In addition to the increasing pressure on our officers (operating inefficient processes with out of date or no technology) they will be facing the increasingly sophisticated threat, harm and risk from criminals who are investing heavily and who will be utilising technology to its fullest.”

Increased Reliance on Technology

The publication of the report follows last year 10-year strategy for Police Scotland. Policing 2026 included plans to cut 400 officers by late 2020 and place an increased reliance on technology.

The Scotsman reports a Scottish Government spokesman saying: “Ministers are committed to investing in further transformation of the service, including through real terms protection of the police resource budget in every year of this parliament. In addition, we are providing a further £31m of dedicated reform funding this year and have ensured that the service can retain the £25m previously paid to the UK Treasury in VAT each year.”