Failure in Britain: the non-working IT system for tens of millions returned police to handles and paper

In the middle of March, 2020 because of serious problems with performance of a new IT system the police of the County of Greater Manchester returned to normal handles and paper.

The integrated operational police system (iOPS) was started in July, 2019, for about 16 months later, than was planned. The delay was connected with technical shortcomings, numerous new procedures and lack of training of personnel. As a result the police could not carry out the main objectives, and support services of victims of violence noted sharp reduction of a flow of people who usually went polyyeysk for the help. It is known that the number of the victims which addressed in a support service, was reduced almost by 87%, and 686 cases of domestic violence were not even estimated.

Because of serious problems with performance of a new IT system the police of the County of Greater Manchester returned to normal handles and paper

The integrated police system cost the county 29 million pounds sterling. It consists of two elements: ControlWorks for management and control and PoliceWorks for editing records. Principal components of the IT system of police were disconnected for 72 hours for data transfer, at this time all records were kept on paper, and then manually transferred to iOPS. Besides, because of technical failures the police could not transfer files in electronic form in Service of criminal prosecution in time that again demanded additional efforts from personnel.

Police officers noted that they after installation of a system of a problem did not stop: get access to a system it is impracticable, in certain cases it is necessary to expect PoliceWorks loading more than half an hour. Besides, employees announced inspectors numerous cases when they could not find information through iOPS. The special commission made investigation and made recommendations about correction of faults.^[1]

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