Devon & Cornwall police announce landmark contract with BT

Devon and Cornwall Police has today, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, signed a landmark contract with BT for the provision of IT infrastructure and support services to the Force.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer today signed the agreement with BT Global Services president of Global Government and Health, Ian Dalton. The contract will see BT provide both support for and development of IT services for the next five years – with the option to extend to nine years.

The service will begin April 1, 2015, and will mean a change in service provider for the Force, currently Capita Group PLC.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer welcomed the new agreement with BT.

He said: “The chance to work and partner with an industry leader such as BT does not come along often and the opportunities this brings to the Force should be celebrated.

“This is a contract which will not only give stability and focus to the
Force’s IT provision and support going forward, but will also allow us to make considerable savings helping to reduce and better control support costs.

“We want to enhance the 24 hour support given to IT systems across the spectrum of our needs and give a more robust support to police officers and staff. My hope is that with partners such as BT on board this will help us better use technology and innovation to more effectively police our communities.”

Mr Sawyer added: “We have had a long and positive relationship with Capita and will continue to develop specific IT products with them. Looking forward, the Force is exploring ways to collaborate with other organisations in both the public and private sectors.

“This contract will allow us to develop the ongoing strategic alliance project with Dorset Police and further exploit savings and opportunities to work together more closely.

“There is no doubt our relationship with BT is at an early stage, but my hope is that communities will see a genuine improvement in the service Devon and Cornwall Police can provide with a first class IT support provider.”

Ian Dalton, president of BT Global Government and Health, BT Global Services, said: “We’re delighted to have the chance to work with Devon and Cornwall Police to help them provide the best IT services and support to police officers and staff.

“Like many police forces up and down the country they’re looking to deliver more effective policing whilst reducing cost. We’ll connect the Force to the most up-to-date technology, sharing our extensive experience of innovating across the public sector. Our support will help them do what they know best – policing this vast area.”