Software solutions making police forces more efficient

Imagine how much more efficient forensic work could be if teams were able to capture crime scene information digitally, even when there is no wi-fi.

No more pen and paper, no more going back to the police station and having to upload the information already taken on different devices at the site of the incident.

Or a system that ensures mistakes are avoided and case files prepared for prosecution are not sent back, saving investigators’ time and effort. KIM Software Solutions can provide just these.

Forensics teams using mobile devices can capture all relevant information – including pictures – just once. This works even while offline; as soon as the device reconnects to a wi-fi signal, the data is saved in the right place.

A large government law enforcement agency will soon become the first client to use the tool, for its evidential property system.

The tool for prosecution case files is designed to avoid mistakes during their production which can lead to delays or even outright failure of the process.

KIM’s current development will see officers able to deliver their case files to the Crown Prosecution Service correctly and to the required standard, preventing pushback from the CPS and helping to bring about justice with maximum efficiency.

These are just two examples of the many innovative ideas that are being brought to fruition by KIM – all of which, are or have been, developed in collaboration with the law enforcement professionals who work in the relevant areas. The company is always on the lookout for more forces with which to partner to further develop its services.

“We are constantly seeking to partner with forces for our solutions,” says KIM account manager Debra Kettle. “And we always aim to develop things that are really helpful and bring about efficiencies and cost savings, which we believe the crime scene and case file solutions are great examples of.”

Lengthy experience of delivery

KIM has more than 20 years’ experience of working alongside police forces, including the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), as well as UK government agencies such as the Border Force. It also provides solutions to other large institutions like universities.

Its highly experienced team of developers, project managers and consultants deliver both commercial off-the-shelf and bespoke software solutions. The knowledgeable, qualified, and security-checked staff provide project management including scoping, development, implementation, and training, as efficiently as possible and to the highest standards.

KIM also has extensive experience in helping to update legacy systems, including many complicated projects. One example involved migrating four million records – including audit data – from multiple databases to a single, new system. This was carried out seamlessly, on time and within budget.

The company prides itself on offering both excellent value for money, and high levels of customer service including training, rapid customer support and a service with a personal touch.

“We listen to clients and their needs, and through their feedback we regularly update systems to remain relevant and reflect changes brought about either by business processes or legislation,” says Debra.

One way it listens is through regular user groups set up for its platforms. “These are a great way to engage and come up with ideas for future functionality – which we then develop further,” she adds.

KIM has provided Cambridge Constabulary with an evidence management system since 2014. Sarah Truss, Seized Property Manager at the force, says: “KIM is always quick to respond to any queries or concerns that we have had since going live. They have also supported us through various upgrades. They are an easy company to deal with, and always put the customer first.”

South Yorkshire Police Records and Archive Manager Elizabeth Blackburn is equally enthusiastic: “KIM provided an adapted bespoke version of their eArchive product to South Yorkshire Police in 2022, data migrating over 800,000 records from an in-house legacy system.

“Their customer service and support has been invaluable throughout the initial stages of the project to implementation.”

The company has also provided a property database to South Yorkshire since 2020. Katy Branton, the force’s Business Manager, adds: “They provide an excellent and very responsive service, dealing with every query and change request extremely quickly. The level of support they offer, in terms of IT, process and training is exceptional.”

Tailor made and flexible

Flexibility and adaptability are important elements of KIM’s offering, with clients being able to tailor solutions to their needs.

More than 16 organisations currently use its evidential property management system (ePMS) with each of them being configured differently to suit their unique requirements.

After a dedicated effort in developing a solution which took 18 months of careful work by KIM, one government agency is now able to securely manage the workflow of transporting evidential property, from request through to actions.

The logistics solution enables a complete audit trail of item movements between them and their partners, ensuring all evidence is logged and its location is always known.

Gill Ashton, of GMP’s Evidential Property Management Unit, says: “GMP has been a customer of KIM Software Solutions for many years and throughout the process of upgrading to the new ePMS system, the support from the team at KIM was first class.

“Their approach was very flexible throughout, and they were able to accommodate all our force specific requirements in the new system; customer service and contact has always been excellent, any issues identified were dealt with promptly, and the developers always strive to find the best solution to meet our business needs.”

She adds: “The training provided was very flexible with a blended approach of face-to-face, e-learning and onsite support during go-live.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary has used KIM for a property management system helping to manage evidential exhibits for more than 15 years.

“During this time, they’ve maintained a practical knowledge of our work enabling them to offer real value and personalised solutions to our needs,” says Katherine Green, Senior Station Reception Officer at Hertfordshire Constabulary. “Their customer service team respond as if you’re their only client and nothing else matters – they’ve always got your back. And their creative approach to problem solving has seen us through many challenges over the years.”

She adds that she really appreciates “the way they’ve provided us with a system that can evolve with the changes and demands of how we need to run our business”.

Leadership academy

With issues of personnel retention and mental health becoming increasingly important considerations for HR professionals within the police service, KIM has also developed platforms aimed at helping with these vital issues.

It has recently given a significant facelift to its PDR platform – which is designed to fit the functionality of police HR processes and is available as a cloud-hosted offering. This includes a leadership academy module designed to fully support staff and officers’ professional development needs – and potentially help to retain experienced personnel within the service.

Its wellbeing and mental health platform includes all the tools required to manage staff-support efficiently and effectively. A similar system is available for victim support purposes, in order to ensure forces are meeting all of their responsibilities required under the Victim’s Code. The platforms are linked to mobile phone apps for ease of accessibility.