Central Scotland Police and Microsoft Launch ICT Alliance

Central Scotland Police and Microsoft Ltd. today announced that Microsoft® Windows® has been selected as the police force’s platform of choice. Under the new contract, Central Scotland Police will replace some open source technologies with Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003, Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office to support the police modernization agenda, flexible working arrangements and better engagement with other public sector partners.

Central Scotland Police and Microsoft will work together closely on a range of information and communication technology (ICT) projects. These will include an electronic document management system for better response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act, and document sharing for police staff that will help deliver best practices and achieve better value for money.

“Central Scotland Police has always been forward-thinking in its use of information and communication technology to help protect the public and provide efficient and value-for-money services to communities,” said David Mulhern, deputy chief constable for Central Scotland Police.

Through the “Safer Central” policing philosophy (see below), which underpins the way in which Central Scotland Police currently operates, and Operation Advance, one of the five operational pillars of the philosophy (see below), the force has been focused on improving efficiency to deliver more effective frontline service to communities in Central Scotland.

A key factor in that drive has been value for money, and a review of the police force’s information technology (IT) department at the start of 2005 concluded that Central.

“Naturally we are delighted with the conclusions arrived at by Central Scotland Police, which enable us to prove the value and interoperability that Microsoft products offer. We look forward to working with the police force to introduce new products and services, including document and record management and collaboration technology,” said Terry Smith, senior director for Microsoft Ltd.
The benefits-based evaluation led Central Scotland Police to prefer a Microsoft solution over its legacy open-source solution that was introduced in 2000.

Microsoft Windows was judged to offer the best overall value for money and operational functionality. In some areas open source installations will be retained.

“Although an open-source solution met our needs in the past, it was becoming more difficult to maintain in the increasingly joined-up environment of today,” said David Stirling, head of ICT for Central Scotland Police.

The decision to implement Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office will bring a number of benefits to Central Scotland Police. The study showed that the police force will achieve significant annual savings. Charteris plc, a Microsoft partner, is providing training and consultancy.

“Central Scotland Police is basing its IT system on the Microsoft platform because its internal study shows that it offers the best value in total cost of ownership, ease of use, interoperability, reliability and support,” said Nick McGrath, head of Platform Strategy for Microsoft Ltd.

The Microsoft agreement also paves the way for Central Scotland Police to introduce new ways of working for its frontline police officers.

“Previously our police officers could only access the wide range of IT solutions available to assist them in their work from their base location. This presented real difficulties when deciding on strategies to respond to community concerns,” Mulhern said.

Operational Chief Inspector Alan Douglas added, “For staff to be able to carry out their duties without the restriction of having their IT facilities at only one location will remove a barrier to efficient working and shall allow them to complete all their duties from the place where they can be most effective.”

Implementation of the Microsoft platform began in August, following Central Scotland Police’s involvement in the policing of the G8 Summit.