Special Branch IT 'inadequate'

Police investigations into terrorist threats in the UK are being seriously restricted by the inadequate IT systems used by Special Branch officers.

A report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has severely criticised the technology in Special Branch, which does not allow access to information beyond regional force boundaries.

'The inadequacy of current arrangements cannot be overstated,' said the report.

It reveals that incompatible systems and restricted networking between headquarters and outposts are 'severely limiting effectiveness and should be addressed urgently?.

Home Office minister John Denham last week agreed to fund an upgrade of the systems so a single source of information can be accessed by authorised officers anywhere in the country.

Details of the funding are expected in early February. But the application will not be available until the end of the year.

Special Branch needs a long-term technology programme as well as short-term upgrades, says HMIC.

'The development of a national IT strategy is long overdue. HMIC recommends that as a matter of priority the Home Office enables identified national IT requirements to be implemented and most importantly funded, through a clear, robust, timetabled strategy,' said the report.

The project was proposed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), which is also responsible for the upgrade and is writing a comprehensive review of 'next generation' requirements.

The Acpo report is due in the summer and the HMIC recommendations will help make the case for funding, says Acpo Terrorism and Allied Matters technical adviser Graham Broom.

'The information needs of national security are not going to get smaller and we need to take a realistic view so we can build today for future use,' said Broom.Shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin told Computing: 'Britain is at enormous risk, as the Prime Minister has conceded. It is vital that security services have all the resources they need - including the best IT available - to combat this threat.'