BT lands £70M deal with Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall
The ten-year contract will see BT manage IT services for the two forces
BT's landed a £70M pound deal to manage IT services for Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall.
Frontline officers are being promised better connectivity for devices like mobile phones, body worn cameras and vehicle radio systems.
BT say they also want to make the 101 and 999 calling system more efficient.
The managed service contract will underpin a range of the police’s information, technology, and communication demands, including field mobile, airwave vehicle and handheld connectivity for emergency services – alongside security and customer service desk applications.
BT will also assist the forces in staying compliant with security frameworks, supporting measures to strengthen their security protocols against external threats.
Together, these services will support Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police with their digital policing strategy and strengthen crime prevention efforts, whilst also delivering expected financial efficiencies.
More than 5,100 police officers and 3,500 police staff work within the two forces, and they employ more than 550 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and special constables.
As part of the contract, BT has agreed to progress social value initiatives for both forces, implementing measures to improving transparency on the environmental impact of police activities in the South West.
Ashish Gupta, Managing Director, Corporate and Public Sector at BT, said: “Efficient and resilient technology infrastructure is crucial to support the police in tackling both current and emerging threats – so we’re proud to have the back of South West police forces by delivering exactly that. This new managed service from BT will help future-proof connectivity in all areas of policing, from those on the frontline to behind-the-scenes support staff, helping them to protect the public and keep pace with the changing nature of crime.”
Mark Chivers, Chief Technology Officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said the new contract had followed a successful long-term relationship between BT and Devon & Cornwall Police for IT managed services: “We are looking forward to working closely with BT colleagues to implement a new contract across both Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police and to act as our key technology partner in our rapidly changing environment,” he said.
“BT brings a wealth of expertise from its wider organisation and having a contract that covers both Forces will enable service improvements and efficiencies through the standardisation of service across our Strategic Alliance.”