Guest blog by Gus Walker, UK Product Manager at Mark43
Policing in the UK is preparing for a strategic leap. But it’s being held back by a glut of servers, cables, and racks. Many forces are reaching the operational and strategic limits of legacy IT systems that neither integrate easily nor support seamless information sharing.
The UK’s National Policing Digital Strategy 2025–2030 identifies fragmented systems, legacy infrastructure, and limited interoperability as systemic barriers to progress. As forces are being asked to adopt more data-driven, technology-enabled approaches, these underlying constraints are becoming harder to ignore.
The impact is already being felt on the ground: outdated systems slow response times, hinder collaboration across forces, and make it harder for officers and staff to access the information they need as incidents grow more complex.
Public safety requires connected, accurate, up-to-date information that flows securely across forces and among systems – from records management systems to command and control to analytics, body-worn cameras, drones, and automatic number plate recognition.
Modern platforms help UK forces increase efficiency, reduce operating costs, improve situational awareness, deploy new capabilities faster, strengthen collaboration, respond to cyber threats, and refocus on frontline public service rather than administrative burden.
Cloud-native platforms are crucial to mission-critical operations
Migrating a legacy platform to the cloud is highly complex and requires expertise in both cloud and on-premises environments. While forces invest valuable time and money convening those teams and transitioning to the cloud, cloud-native solutions will continue to advance, so migrating a legacy platform to the cloud has an opportunity cost.
Cloud-native platforms provide a foundation for more connected and adaptable policing. They enable forces to streamline core workflows, improve collaboration, and maintain flexibility within a broader supplier ecosystem.
The cloud serves as a network of connectivity to other systems, including integrated systems such as CCTV cameras, traffic sensors, and drones. It also provides strong security and resilience capabilities, including tools that monitor unusual activity and support informed response.
Just as important, modern platforms improve the working environment for officers and staff, supporting recruitment and retention by providing the modern technology they are accustomed to in their day-to-day lives.
Modern platforms enable collaboration and make communities stronger
Next-generation records management systems (RMS) improve efficiency by reducing manual processes, such as rekeying data, enabling officers and staff to work at the pace of operational policing. This means less time on administrative tasks and more time improving visibility within their communities.
Modern RMS platforms also support consistent, secure information sharing. Whether handing over a case at a shift change or working across forces on a county lines investigation, teams can operate with shared visibility.
As cases grow more complex and can cross borders, frictionless collaboration becomes essential. An advanced RMS supports higher-quality casework with better data capture and built-in compliance, helping forces work more effectively with partners such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
Deployments show what's possible
Real-world deployments are already demonstrating what modern platforms can enable. Cumbria Constabulary’s adoption of a single platform across crime reporting, intelligence, investigations, safeguarding, and victim care shows how connected systems can enable more time for community engagement, response, and crime prevention.
We’ve learned a lot from our experience with Cumbria as well as other forces who are in the implementation stage. Our hands-on experience supporting forces also reinforces the value of a configurable platform that adapts to operational needs.
Forces want the ability to configure their system. This means prioritising platforms that support integration, interoperability, and collaboration across an evolving technology landscape—particularly as interest grows in more unified, national approaches to policing technology.
There is also growing momentum around practical applications of AI. Emerging capabilities are focused on helping investigators more quickly understand case information, identify inconsistencies in data, and surface risks or patterns—supporting more informed decision-making and improved sharing of insights across teams and agencies.
The opportunity now is to build a more connected, resilient, and future-ready foundation for policing across the UK.
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
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Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is the Junior Programme Manager for the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme.
In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role.
Prior to joining techUK, she gained experience working across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) charities, where she developed a deep understanding of public service and advocacy.
