Boeing has landed an estimated $153 million contract to provide information technology support to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Staffordshire, England.
The Staffordshire PCC office said Thursday it believes the 10-year contract to be the first IT partnership in the police force in the U.K.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire police and crime commissioner, said Boeing was chosen among 52 contenders to help the Staffordshire police in its goal to be the most technologically progressive local police service in England.
“Policing in Staffordshire, and across the country, has fallen short of providing their officers with the right technology to do the job,” Ellis said.
“As crime becomes more complex with borders for criminals swept aside because of the Internet and social media it is essential that we ensure police have the right technology to tackle crime locally and wider,” he added.
Jane Sawyers, Staffordshire police chief constable, said the partnership aims to increase police visibility in the streets, give easier access to police officers for the community and provide more information leading to earlier intervention for officers.