The Police Service of Northern Ireland has contracted with software provider Civica Digital for a new digital data sharing platform that will improve information flow between the police and the public prosecution service, prison service and forensic science services.

The Criminal Justice Data Sharing system is expected to go live in November 2019. Civica Digital, a division of the London-based Civica Group, says the system will support information sharing between numerous sources, including PSNI’s case management systems, the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Data Store and the UK's Police National Computer (PNC).

Information held on the platform can be shared via the PNC, linking data with the wider UK and European police data sharing platforms. The new system includes a set of operational management and self-monitoring tools which will allow the PSNI to rapidly view, track and rectify issues as soon as they occur.

Overall, the system will speed up day-to-day processes and reduce errors, the company says, and will be scalable into the future as demand and case-loads are set to grow.

Former PSNI deputy chief constable Drew Harris, who has been appointed as new Garda Commissioner, was involved in the procurement process for the platform, raising the interesting question of whether his interest in ICT will mean future upgrades for the creaky IT systems used by police in the Republic.

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PSNI head of digital Jeff McNamara said the new system would streamline our processes and systems and drive more efficiency, and added: “This is crucial at a time when budgets are continuously stretched, demands are becoming more complex and public expectations are changing. 

“The new system will ultimately allow our officers to spend more time policing with the community, delivering more effective, collaborative outcomes and continue to help build a safe, confident and peaceful Northern Ireland.”

Civica Ireland managing director Mark Owens said: “This latest engagement with PSNI builds upon our long-term partnership with the police service, and we’re delighted to be continuing to support the organisation’s digital transformation plans. 

“Our thorough understanding of the technology required to deliver this truly digital service means we have designed a very detailed solution from the ground up to address all issues of functionality, efficiency and security.  We were able to demonstrate this understanding throughout the procurement process and now look forward to working with PSNI to deliver the CJDS platform.”

Photo: Mark Owens (left) and Drew Harris