#United Kingdom #Manchester #AI Integration #Mark43 #UK Policing

Uniting UK Policing Leaders: Mark43's DDaT Forum

Mark43, a pioneering player in cloud-native public safety technology, gathered over 100 senior leaders from UK policing and various industries at its 2026 DDaT Forum in Manchester. This event focused on future technological advancements, responsible AI usage, and the ongoing push for data integration and modernization.

President and Cofounder Matt Polega expressed the opportunity for UK policing to rethink how technology can play an integral role in daily operations. The idea is to lessen the administrative load on officers and staff, enabling them to access necessary information quickly and efficiently. He emphasized that no police force should face these challenges in isolation; by sharing knowledge and successful practices, the community can improve overall policing outcomes.

The discussions at the forum revolved around critical priorities, including:

• - Modernizing outdated infrastructure
• - Enhancing interoperability and data accessibility
• - Responsibly integrating AI into policing practices
• - Transforming successful local innovations into broader systemic changes

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighted the region's history of collaboration and innovation. She emphasized the significance of assembling leaders from policing, government, and technology backgrounds to exchange ideas that enhance public services and foster safer communities.

Chris Todd, Chief Constable of Humberside Police and NPCC Lead for Data Integration, noted that some of the best innovations in policing emerge from local initiatives. He articulated the need to connect these successes, streamline data movement across policing entities, and create a conducive environment for substantial innovation to proliferate.

Andy Newsham, a Safety and Security Subject Matter Expert at PwC, commented on the complexities of navigating operational models, investment strategies, and governance in policing. He stressed that the forum provides a platform to align these elements, ensuring reform leads to tangible improvements.

Blair Gibbs from the Police Foundation added that discussions on AI in policing are evolving. Instead of merely showcasing what technology can achieve, the focus is shifting towards identifying genuine value. This includes rigorously defining the problems to be solved and establishing safeguards necessary to maintain public and workforce trust.

Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester, expressed enthusiasm about Mark43's commitment to innovation within the city. He noted that Greater Manchester's collaborative environment positions it uniquely as a hub for advancing public services through technological development.

The DDaT Forum effectively brought together a diverse group of leaders—including police force representatives, government officials, researchers, and technology experts—underscoring the need for collaboration in building a more resilient and effective future for UK policing.

About Mark43

Mark43 is dedicated to modernizing public safety by equipping police and emergency services with advanced technology solutions. Their platform offers integrated Records Management, Command & Control, and Data Analytics capabilities, aiming to improve workflows and response times. Currently trusted by over 300 agencies in the UK and the US, Mark43 provides essential tools and robust cybersecurity for addressing contemporary challenges in public safety. For more information, please visit Mark43's website.