Building a smarter, safer future: why modern policing must embrace technology

I want to ensure that our communities are safe and thriving, our police service is well-equipped and every pound of public money spent makes a real difference to our communities.

Innovating and embracing technology is key to modern policing, especially when we consider how quickly society is changing. I keep a keen eye on what technologies are emerging and how they can be implemented to help support victims and bring perpetrators to justice here in Cheshire.

Over the last century, crime has changed and become more complex. The dangers we face don’t always show up on street corners. They now appear online through fraud, cyber stalking and bullying. This means the police must embrace technology to stop and track criminals who are hiding behind screens.

Modernising is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. This can mean new kit and gadgets, but that’s only a small part. We have begun to develop a tool which harnesses artificial intelligence (AI technology) to identify earlier incidents of stalking when they are reported. This speeds up a process that would have normally been done manually by a police officer. We’re also starting to use AI to help enhance our drone team, that currently operates across the county.

Technology has the power to make policing more efficient, more effective and more accountable. For example, the rollout of mobile devices to officers on the beat has reduced paperwork, allowing them to spend more time in the communities they serve, rather than behind a desk. Real-time access to information means decisions can be made quicker, making communities safer.

Here in Cheshire, the Constabulary has body worn cameras, which help with transparency and complaint handling. It also provides me with reassurance in how the Constabulary interacts with residents. They also use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to keep our roads safe, as well as drone units and facial recognition (used appropriately and lawfully) which improve the Constabulary’s ability to detect and deter crime. Predictive analytics and data-driven policing help to identify patterns, target resources and prevent harm, reducing crime before it happens.

However, I want to be clear. Technology must serve the people, not the other way around. Modernisation should never come at the cost of civil liberties, privacy or public trust. That’s why I am committed to ensuring that any use of tech in policing is ethical, proportionate and subject to proper oversight. This includes having the Independent Ethics Panel review how technology is implemented here in Cheshire.

I am not suggesting we use the budget to just buy kit. I am working with the Chief Constable to ensure we have a smarter, more responsive policing model that earns the confidence of the communities it serves.

The goal is simple: to deliver a police service that is visible, accessible, and effective. A police force that is fit for the 21^st century – one that protects the vulnerable, prevents crime and works in partnership with organisations to help our communities.

Modern policing is not about replacing people with machines. It’s about empowering our dedicated officers and staff with the right tools to exceed in their roles.

I will continue to push for the investments and innovations that make that possible – because safer streets and stronger, thriving communities are what we all want and deserve.