MPs back single national database

Police and MPs are backing plans for a national database available to all forces.

As revealed in Computing (15 August), the Association of Chief Police Officers has asked the Home Office for an extra £300m to fund the Valiant information strategy to share data held by the UK's 43 local forces.

At the moment, information held by regional forces and not uploaded to the Police National Computer is only available through phone calls or meetings, says Greater Manchester Police Federation joint branch secretary Gordon Johnson.

'A single database would have a big impact on the way officers do their jobs and would certainly increase police and public safety,' he said.

Unless a suspect is targeted by the National Crime Squad, lack of access to information is a problem, says Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation.

MPs have also welcomed the proposals.

James Paice, Conservative spokesman for the police, said: 'Provided it is cost-effective, we strongly support this scheme.'

Liberal Democrat IT spokesman Richard Allen said: 'It would be a shame if projects that carry a high benefit for the citizen are not funded.'

A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'Valiant is supported by the Home Office and contributes towards a joined up criminal justice system.'