Police ICT teams join forces

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police forces are to set up a joint ICT department, which will initially save the two forces a total of £350,000 per year – a figure expected to rise to around £1.7m within five years.

The two forces already run a number of successful collaborative departments, including major crime, firearms support and dog units.

Peter Conniff, chair of Bedfordshire police authority, said: "In light of the recent Comprehensive Spending Review and the need for both forces to address significant budget shortfalls, the financial efficiencies that will be generated by these further joint ventures are to be welcomed.

Stuart Nagler, chairman of Hertfordshire Police Authority, said: “Collaboration on key areas of administration and infrastructure, such as ICT and Pensions Administration, will bring huge benefits over and above the financial savings which are imperative at this time.