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Mark43's 2026 DDaT Forum: Pioneering a New Age in UK Policing

In an age where technology continuously revolutionizes various sectors, law enforcement agencies are not left behind. Mark43, a prominent cloud-native public safety technology firm, successfully gathered over 100 senior leaders from UK policing and the tech industry at the annual 2026 DDaT Forum in Manchester. The goal was clear: to discuss and strategize the adoption of innovative technologies, enhanced data integration, and modernization efforts in policing practices across the nation.

Shaping the Future of Policing with Technology

Matt Polega, President and Managing Director of Mark43 in the UK, emphasized the pivotal role technology plays in reshaping the operational fabric of UK policing. He remarked, “UK policing has a real opportunity to rethink the role technology plays in day-to-day operations.” According to Polega, the essence of this transformation lies in easing the administrative burden on officers, enhancing interoperability between systems, and ensuring that personnel have immediate access to necessary data and tools.

The forum provided an excellent platform for police leaders to share successful strategies and learn from each other's experiences. Collaboration is essential, as no individual force should face the challenges posed by change in isolation.

Key Focus Areas of Discussion

Several priority areas were identified during the forum that requires attention for the modernization of policing:

• - Modernizing Legacy Infrastructure: Many police force systems are outdated, which can impede efficiency and hinder data sharing.
• - Improving Interoperability and Data Access: The exchange of information between different forces needs to be seamless to foster effective collaboration.
• - Responsible AI Adoption: As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral in policing, ensuring that these tools are utilized responsibly is crucial to maintain public trust.
• - Scaling Successful Local Innovations: Local successes in policing practices can serve as models for broader implementation, fostering more efficient and effective law enforcement.

Voices from the Forum

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, highlighted the city’s tradition of fostering innovation. “Bringing leaders from across policing, government, and technology together to share ideas is crucial for translating innovation into improved public services.” The collaborative ethos of Greater Manchester is seen as a model for how collective strategies can enhance community safety.

Echoing this sentiment, Chris Todd, Chief Constable of Humberside Police, stressed the importance of connecting successful local initiatives with larger efforts to improve the flow of information across police departments.

From a governance perspective, Andy Newsham, Safety and Security Expert at PwC, pointed out the multifaceted challenges forces face regarding operating models and investment strategies. This forum was seen as an opportune moment to connect these elements to ensure that reforms yield tangible outcomes.

Blair Gibbs, Director of the Police Foundation, contributed to the evolving conversation around AI in policing. He urged a focus on how technology can genuinely add value, ensuring that the application of AI is carefully managed to retain the confidence of both officers and the public.

A Collaborative Future

Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester, praised Mark43's dedication to fostering collaborations among various stakeholders in the public safety domain. His vision for the future emphasizes Greater Manchester’s significant role in merging technology, innovation, and public service for a more connected policing framework.

By uniting leaders from police forces, government entities, and technology developers, the DDaT Forum is representative of the collaborative spirit needed to forge a resilient and effective future for UK policing.

About Mark43

Mark43 is at the forefront of modernizing public safety technology. By offering integrated solutions for Records Management, Command Control, and Data Analytics, the company helps law enforcement agencies operate more efficiently and effectively. Trusted by over 300 agencies in the UK and the US, Mark43’s cloud-native platform supports public safety professionals with cutting-edge tools that address the current and future challenges of police work. To learn more, visit Mark43's website.