The Police Digital Service, formerly the Police ICT Company, is responsible for delivering the National Policing Digital Strategy. It aims to protect people from harm not only by using technology but by developing its own capabilities and new ways of working. It describes itself as a body that “harnesses the power of digital, data, and technology” to assist law enforcement.
Now, IT firm Excession has sued the Police Digital Service, alleging that its decision to grant a contract to Airbox Systems, which provides digital solutions to various law enforcement and military bodies to assist practical operations, broke defence and security public contracts regulations regarding the awarding of public contracts. According to a report from The Register, the contract was worth up to £18m and involved provision of a mass surveillance platform.
The Police Digital Service disputes Excession’s allegation.
This week, Mrs Justice O’Farrell oversaw an online hearing...