Police join forces with single IT operation

According to South Yorkshire Police, the collaboration with Humberside Police will create a “robust and resilient service to support both forces”, which has the “capacity and capability for both current and future needs.”

Paul Thrustle, who was appointed in December last year to oversee the merger, will lead the new service.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “As part of his role, Mr Thrustle is tasked with identifying collaborative opportunities to improve services between the two forces’ IS functions.

“This will provide opportunities to share resources, expertise and systems and streamline the service.”

Nigel Hiller, South Yorkshire Police’s director of finance and sponsor for the shared service said the move will “deliver savings while enhancing services to both forces – effectively providing more for less.”

He added: “ The service will provide a platform for future changes and both help in being more efficient and effective while sharing knowledge and resources.

“It will also reduce duplication, improve ways of working, share expertise and reduce bureaucracy.”

Phil Goatley, assistant chief officer at Humberside Police, added: “Collaboration of information services will not only benefit both forces financially but it will also help to improve delivery of frontline services to the people of Humberside and South Yorkshire.”

Charles Perryman, chairman of the South Yorkshire Police Authority, said: “South Yorkshire and Humberside already share HR and training functions, and joining IS will further enhance the partnership approach.”

It is unclear at this stage whether the changes will result in any job losses.