Leveraging data to unlock insights into policing

The Data-Enabled Policing (DEP) Programme, an internal programme to enhance the use of data in policing decision-making, launched a number of data-driven dashboards, designed to improve coordination of resource, understand crime trends and identify vulnerability.

Built using Microsoft PowerBI, the dashboards present data in a visual format making it easier to understand and obtain insights quickly. It also improves our ability to communicate findings and track connections between operation and performance.

The latest report for the force, the local policing-focused dashboard, allows officers rapid access to the right information. Evidence-based decision making will be improved, helping to manage demand and resource. The reports will also provide timely information for the daily tasking meetings across the force.

Policing Plan Priorities

The development of our Power BI dashboards aligns with our ambitions in the force’s Policing Plan. This supports pillar four, ‘Building an outstanding organisation’, by helping to exploit information and digital capabilities to improve our efficiency and effectiveness.

With the introduction of Microsoft 365 tools, specifically PowerBI, the force is hoping to improve data literacy across the force and data quality. This will help to achieve our aims of building an analytical capacity that can inform and educate policing in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Centre for Data Analytics
We are also keen to collaborate with partners to have the best insights when addressing our shared problems. 

The Staffordshire Centre for Data Analytics (SCDA) was established in October 2021 as an innovative collaboration between Staffordshire Police, Keele University and led by Staffordshire County Council.

The Centre aims to work across organisational boundaries to deliver analytical insights and promote joint responses to common challenges, with academic contribution from Keele University adding greater depth and understanding to our shared problems.

Since its establishment the partnership has engaged with a wide range of additional partners, who have provided data and invaluable insights into our analytical projects, these have included the NHS, Office of Police, Fire and Rescue, and Crime Commissioner, Domestic Abuse support services, Fire and Rescue Service, Housing Associations, District and Borough Councils, Stoke City Council and Citizens Advice. Engagement with additional partners allows the Centre to undertake valuable work that cannot be achieved in isolation to the benefit of all our partners.

If you would like to find out more or to get involved go to Staffordshire Centre for Data Analytics - Keele University