Ben Snuggs KPM, Chair National Science and Innovation Board

As chair of the National Science and Innovation Board (NSIB), I am really pleased that our science and technology (S&T) network continues to grow at such pace. An effective and maturing network is essential if S&T in policing is going to flourish and support the very best bottom-up innovations I see from forces every day, such as RPA - which has been adopted by several forces to automate repetitive administrative tasks, significantly improving operational efficiency and freeing up frontline resources.  The key benefits include:

Operational Efficiency: Faster processing times and reduced manual workload.

Workforce Productivity: Improved staff wellbeing through reduced stress and better use of non-deployable personnel.

Strategic Gains: Supports long-term sustainability and improved staff retention.

The maturity of that system is increasingly reliant on our network of Regional Innovation Coordinators (RICs) and Regional Science and Innovation Managers (RSIMs), now in place across each of our nine policing regions. They are making a real difference identifying local innovations, working as a team nationally to reduce duplication and share good ideas and opportunities across policing.  For example - RSIM Frances Senior linked Cleveland Police with a university-led crime reduction project, securing a free pilot to tackle knife crime which is now being adopted locally.

There is no monopoly on good ideas, and a key indicator of success for me, is when these ideas are known, shared and embedded elsewhere. I want to thank each of our RSIMs for their work in identifying and sharing good practice, helping to embed innovation locally and regionally, regardless of who gets the credit. 

NSIB has also now proudly supported two Test and Learn funding rounds. These are designed to help forces secure small cash injections to test an innovation quickly, report back and assess whether it’s got potential. It’s as much a success to test, learn and move on to something else, as it is to test, learn and develop what’s next. This approach is at the heart of creating a culture in policing where we are willing to give it a go and adapt and evolve our innovation activity quickly and easily.

So, if you are reading this and have the kernel of an innovation idea and don’t know where to go with it, contact your RSIM. The very best innovations often stem from the simplest ideas, known by front line operators who know their business and can see opportunities to do things better. And I think it’s really exciting that, through our S&T system, we now have a place where those ideals can be tested, explored, discounted or accelerated locally, regionally and nationally.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in S&T and NSIB’s work. Your advocacy and ideas make a difference, help us serve the public better and keep our communities safe