Control rooms  |  2023-12-07

Saab’s SAFE selected by Derbyshire Constabulary

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Derbyshire Constabulary has chosen SAFE, Saab’s next generation unified command, control and communication solution, as their new Force Control Room system, following an extensive and robust tender process.

The contract between Saab UK and Derbyshire Constabulary was formalised in September 2023, marking the beginning of a transformative collaboration.

The SAFE solution will replace multiple legacy systems and capabilities within the force, enabling officers and staff to provide a more effective service to the public. Furthermore, SAFE will equip Derbyshire Constabulary with an intuitive and intelligent, workflow-based user interface, and officers in the field will be able to access and update incident details as well as capture and share information in an easier and faster way.

With an anticipated delivery date of July 2025, the implementation process is well underway, guided by a project team working closely with Saab UK to ensure the configuration aligns with the specific requirements of Derbyshire police.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter emphasised the significance, stating,

“We are pleased to be working with Saab UK to develop and implement this collaborative digital control room. SAFE will reduce cost, increase operational efficiency and enable the force to provide a better service to the public. It will provide live-time reporting and increased visibility. By making better use of our data, we’ll be able to make the right decisions quickly and resources can be deployed effectively. It’ll offer all our teams improved efficiency, so we can provide a better policing service to meet our community needs.”

Welcoming the collaboration, Dean Rosenfield, Group Managing Director of Saab UK said, “By choosing SAFE, Derbyshire Constabulary has future-proofed their control rooms and public safety operations for years to come. SAFE represents a growing demand for dynamic and configurable control room solutions within the emergency services and offers Derbyshire police flexibility and control.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said:

“Residents have made it clear that they wish to see improvement in communication between themselves and the police, particularly in relation to the 101 call handling service. That is why I made improving communications, and efficiency, key priorities in my Derbyshire Police and Crime Plan. I’m pleased that significant improvements have already been made in many areas and the investment in this new system is another major step towards meeting the expectations set out in my plan.”

SAFE has been developed in partnership with the emergency services and is operational in the control rooms of over 30 organisations across the UK, Europe and the USA.