The Police Digital Service (PDS) is the UK organisation responsible for coordinating, developing, delivering, and managing digital services and solutions that enable UK policing to safely harness technology to improve public safety.
Funded by policing and the Home Office, PDS works with law enforcement organisations, private industry, charities, public bodies, and government to deliver digital services and solutions with policing, for policing. The PDS are NOT a police force.
In 2022-23, Police Digital Service turnover was £74m and it made a profit of £2.4m. It runs cloud services for UK law enforcement as well as cybersecurity and IT support.
Crime at the Police Digital Service ?
Police Digital Service leaders arrested “The City of London police are leading a criminal investigation into allegations made against two individuals employed by the company Police Digital Service. The suspects have been arrested for fraud, bribery and misconduct in a public office.” Read the PDS article in full. |
History of the Police Digital Service
- National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA): In July 2010, the UK government outlined its vision for the future of policing in the White Paper “Policing in the 21st Century.” This document paved the way for the creation of the PDS. The NPIA played a crucial role in identifying areas for efficiency gains, encouraging collaboration, and realizing economies of scale through national procurement frameworks.
- Transition from NPIA: In December 2011, Home Secretary Theresa May announced plans to replace the NPIA with two new organizations: the College of Policing (a police professional body) and the Police ICT Company (responsible for procuring IT for police forces).
- Police ICT Company: In 2012, the Police ICT Company was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee. Over time, it evolved to address the changing landscape of cyber threats and technology.
- Becoming the Police Digital Service: In 2021, the Police ICT Company rebranded itself as the Police Digital Service (PDS). Today, both the PDS and the College of Policing play critical roles in supporting UK policing.
“We are huge supporters of PDS at the Home Office. They are doing critical work on behalf of the policing community.”
Rt.Hon Chris Philp MP. Minister for Policing, Crime, and Fire. Sept 2023.
The National Management Centre (NMC)
The National Management Centre (NMC), part of the PDS, is the national centre of expertise dedicated to protecting UK police forces against cybercrime. Here are key points about the NMC:
- Mission: The NMC focuses on mitigating the risk of cyber threats to sensitive police data and infrastructure. It operates 24/7, providing nationally coordinated and locally delivered cybersecurity services to police forces across the UK.
- Services Offered:
- Protection: The NMC offers services designed to safeguard police infrastructures.
- Detection: It actively monitors and detects cyber activity.
- Response: In case of incidents, the NMC responds swiftly to mitigate damage.
- Evolving Threat Landscape: As cyber threats continue to evolve, the NMC remains vigilant, adapting its strategies to protect police forces effectively.
Police Digital Service NMC Wins Cyber Award
The Police Digital Service’s National Management Centre (NMC) was awarded a National Cybercrime Programme Chief Superintendent’s Commendation for its role in protecting UK law enforcement against cyber threats.
The award to the National Management Centre (NMC) was presented at the annual National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) National Cybercrime Programme, Commissioners, and Chief Superintendents’ Awards.
“This commendation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team at the National Management Centre. We are honoured to be recognised by the NPCC for our contributions to tackling cyber crime and ensuring the security of our digital landscape.”
Stephen Reid, Director of NMC
For more detailed information, you can explore the official PDS website and read their e-brochure on the NMC.
The PDS and the NMC play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and security of our communities through digital innovation and cybersecurity efforts
Check out our articles on Met Police, Sussex Police, Policing, Police News, Policing by Consent, Two Tiered Policing, Wasting Police Time, Met Police, What is a Police and Crime Commissioner and a Police and Crime Panel ? and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.
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What is the Police Digital Service (PDS) was last updated on the 6th November 2024