The Police Digital Service (PDS), a private organization funded by the Home Office and responsible for implementing the National Police Digital Strategy, has experienced a turbulent few months.
In July 2024, Computer Weekly reported that two PDS employees were arrested on charges of fraud, bribery, and misconduct in public office by the City of London Police. As of now, the criminal investigation continues, with a spokesperson for the City of London Police confirming that the suspects have been interviewed and are currently out on bail. Following the arrests, both employees were suspended while the investigation proceeds. The PDS stated at the time that the employees would undergo a misconduct review by an independent HR consultancy, and it assured that the organization’s operations would also be subjected to a comprehensive assessment. The statement emphasized, “The company’s work remains unaffected.”
In the weeks that followed, several senior staff members departed from the PDS. Additionally, the organization announced the postponement of its flagship event, The Police Digital Summit, originally scheduled for September 2024, to a later date in 2025. While this situation is still developing, here’s a summary of the current status of the PDS and its potential implications.
What is the role of the Police Digital Service?
The PDS is responsible for overseeing the execution of the multi-faceted National Policing Digital Strategy, which aims to equip law enforcement agencies with the digital resources necessary to combat crime and safeguard communities. This includes promoting a cloud-first approach for police forces across the UK to facilitate a coordinated migration of policing data and applications to the cloud.
Since when has the Police Digital Service been operational?
The PDS was established in 2012 as the Police ICT Company but became fully operational in 2015. It rebranded to the Police Digital Service in 2021. The organization was initially founded by the Association of Police Authorities and the Home Office, which finances its endeavors, operating as a private entity without shareholders.
Why were two PDS employees arrested in July 2024?
Allegations of misconduct concerning PDS personnel were reported to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) earlier this year. These allegations led to a criminal investigation by the City of London Police, known as Operation Albaston. In early July 2024, the UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site confirmed that the City of London Police was investigating alleged criminal acts involving two employees of the PDS, who were subsequently suspended after their arrest.
What has been the PDS’s reaction to the arrests?
Following the arrests, the PDS released a statement acknowledging the situation and indicated that the individuals involved would be subjected to an independent HR-led misconduct review, along with an organizational review.
Have the identities of the suspects been disclosed?
No details regarding the identities of the individuals under investigation by the City of London Police have been made public, nor have specifics about the alleged offenses.
What staffing changes have occurred at PDS since the arrests?
According to Computer Weekly, shortly after the arrests were announced, PDS CEO Ian Bell resigned from his position as a director, as disclosed in documents filed with Companies House. While PDS confirmed Bell’s departure, they refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing criminal and HR investigations. Bell had joined PDS in 2018 as part of a two-year secondment. On August 19, 2024, Tony Eastaugh, the former UK government biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner, was appointed interim CEO. Eastaugh’s statement did not address the context of his appointment but highlighted the importance of continuing PDS’s critical mission to provide digital, data, and technology solutions to law enforcement. Moreover, Allan Fairley, a non-executive director, also resigned about two weeks after Bell, citing potential conflicts of interest without further elaboration.
Has the Home Office commented on the situation?
After news of Bell’s resignation emerged, the Home Office stated that it was aware of serious allegations involving two individuals at the PDS and anticipated a thorough review of the organization’s operations. The department reassured that measures were being taken to ensure that frontline services remain unaffected and that public funds are safeguarded. The PDS, being a company limited by guarantee, holds that its board is responsible for decisions pertaining to its operations, including key appointments and dismissals.