The challenge
DPP has used PSBA’s network services for a decade. It enables them to forge cost-effective links with communities and localities that other providers can’t reach. PSBA has been a crucial enabler: it provides connectivity services into third party partners including hospitals and schools. But, as technological trends shifted towards more body-worn video and better CCTV, bandwidth was increasingly becoming a barrier.
Upload speeds began to suffer. Officers spent longer behind desks transferring video footage rather than being where they needed to be – out in the community. Demand meant speeds needed to increase and the circuit upgrades delivered an increase over 100 times, from 0.5Mpbs to 100Mpbs.
CCTV was holding them back too. The absence of a system failed to reflect the force’s vision, mission and values of working with communities, to bring real-time CCTV back to the monitoring station in the police service’s control room.
PSBA had already completed a circuit upgrade programme for DPP. Just one in a series of future-proofing capacity planning initiatives designed to enable DPP to stay ahead of changes in policing in a cost efficient and sustainable way. But more was needed.
The solution
PSBA implemented resilient, cost effective and efficient mechanisms for delivering ICT services in a constantly evolving environment. These would help DPP to address immediate challenges, and future-proof the network.
First came a new CCTV system to equip DPP with a reliable medium for monitoring what was happening in local communities, in order to keep them safe. The upgraded CCTV system allows officers to download high-quality images in real-time, and instantly transfer them over the PSBA network to the station’s control centre. The enhanced CCTV capability has already led to a series of arrests. It is live in 17 locations throughout DPP.
An investment in Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras also supported the service’s digitalisation strategy. Officers can now record exceptional quality video on their device and upload it onto a cloud-hosted platform, once they return to the police station. With bandwidth constraints eliminated, the images are uploaded within seconds. BWV allows officers to mange the videos from the cloud, and distribute them directly to the Crown Prosecution Service and solicitors in one smooth process. Having quick, reliable access to video evidence has led to a reduction in disputes, helping to reduce delays across the criminal justice system.
How it Helped
Improved network with better connectivity
Bandwidth increase
Faster upload and transfer times
Officers are able to access and monitor CCTV in real-time
Exceptional image quality
The Outcome
Better protection for the Welsh public
Officers’ time is being spent more efficiently
Increased number of arrests made within the community
Fewer officers inside HQ/stations, more outside forging connections with communities
Streamlined process between third parties
