Police Scotland investing £200 million on technology upgrade

Police Scotland has set out plans to invest around £200 million in new technology after admitting that outdated IT systems will leave the force struggling to tackle cyber crime and could affect its ability to attract new recruits.

A report due to be presented to the Scottish Police Authority tomorrow underlines the urgent need for improvement, stating that “current technology 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”.

Officers are facing an increasingly sophisticated threat from criminals who are “investing heavily” in technology, it warns.

“This will create further strain on the service, increase the risk to the public and our officers, and will undoubtedly inhibit our ability to prevent the public being exploited and targeted by highly sophisticated technology-enabled criminals,” the report adds.

“The lack of a current, relevant and an attractive technology-based operating environment for our officers and staff will also impact our ability to attract the future talent we need to grow and support the service.

“We estimate that it will require capital investment of up to £200 million over five years and are making the case for this investment to our partners.”