Playing a key role in modernising policing

Friday, September 27, 2024

There is a national focus on modernising policing this week – and Lancashire Constabulary is playing a key role in that.

We are one of three forces operating as a Centre of Excellence for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as part of a national programme funded by the Home Office.

Robotic Process Automation…

• Completes repetitive tasks such as data processing and filing, freeing up police officers and staff to focus on complex decision making and frontline engagement.

• Contributes to a more effective, efficient and productive workforce.

• Increases the speed that admin tasks can be completed and ensures that information can be accessed much quicker by the police officers and police staff who need it – this has a positive impact on the criminal justice system and helps to raise standards.

The force has had great success with RPA in increasing its data quality, which delivers direct benefits to the public through better data-led decision making.

RPA can complete tasks that would previously have taken years to complete in just weeks or months.

The technology has saved the Constabulary over £9 million since it was introduced two years ago.

Our Chief Operating Officer Gillian Routledge, who leads the National RPA Programme to initiate, develop and replicate new RPAs through pathfinder forces, said: “It is national Modernising Policing Week this week, so now is the ideal time to provide an update on the success of the Constabulary’s RPA work that is benefitting both the force and the people of Lancashire.

“Our RPA work is also crucial to the National RPA Programme to set out standards – including ethics and proportionality – and deliver an improved policing service throughout England and Wales.

“We are one of three Centres of Excellence as part of the National RPA Programme, with the others being Avon and Somerset Police and West Midlands Police.

“Following the success of last year’s pilot involving a total of 10 forces, the National RPA Programme will be working with a further 17 forces this financial year.

“I am thrilled with the rapid success of the programme that will see increased benefits over the coming months, both in Lancashire and other forces.

“The national programme is hoping to secure additional funding for the 2024/25 financial year, when we will look to work with more forces and provide continued support to those already on the RPA journey.”