§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 February,Official Report, column 383, what progress has been made on the development of a standard computer system for all police forces. [32856]
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§ Mr. MacleanA standard computer system for case processing is being developed by Greater Manchester police as part of the national strategy for police information systems. The system is expected to make a significant contribution towards reducing police paperwork, in keeping with the recommendations of the recent efficiency scrutiny of the administrative burdens on the police. Standard computer systems for the custody process, the provision of management information, and the direction of police responses to incidents, which were identified by the police service as priorities for immediate national development, are also now being taken forward. Avon and Somerset constabulary, Hertfordshire constabulary and the Metropolitan police have undertaken to produce standard systems for each of these essential tasks. We expect that the first of these systems will become available towards the end of next year. The Government are providing both technical and financial assistance to each of the lead forces.