Use of IT is one of the core skills in the policing professional profiles.
First published
The use of IT is the ability to use and process information technology. This includes its collection, organisation, storage, analysis, presentation and communication. It also includes various types of format and media.
Level 1 – use of IT
- I use standard or user specific IT packages, systems and/or databases to accomplish essential role requirements.
- I use and operate a variety of specialist IT hardware and software devices.
- I use standard applications software, packages and services.
- I carry out IT searches, gather, prepare, verify, process and protect data to inform the development of high-quality case files and initiation of criminal justice proceedings.
Level 2 – use of IT
- I use specialised software related to my own area of work to extract, analyse and report on data.
- I manage and monitor the effective and responsible handling of information, intelligence, evidence and record keeping ensuring alignment with legislation, policies and guidance.
- I make effective use of the organisation’s networks and operating systems to analyse and share critical information to enhance the team’s operational performance.
- I monitor the operational/functional efficiency and effectiveness of both digital and information technology skills and capabilities of my team.
Level 3 – use of IT
- I identify potential applications of new or improved technologies related to own area of work to improve working practices.
- I develop procedures using information and digital technologies to probe for and verify data to seek clarification, test understanding and inform decisions.
- I make best use of current and emerging technologies in support of my role and responsibilities.
- I actively promote the secure and careful use of a range of hardware devices, applications software and organisational systems to gather and evaluate essential information.
- I ensure I stay up to date with technology and take opportunities to engage with new technologies and digital environments.
Level 4 – use of IT
- I understand the changing technology landscape as it applies to policing practice and policy and identify opportunities for new or improved technologies to enable improved force performance.
- I ensure correct operation and compliance with organisational and legal requirements.
- I use and test new and emerging digital and information technologies and evaluate their impact on the force and communities.
- I manage technology-related risk.
Level 5 – use of IT
- I have a thorough appreciation of how technology is and will continue to impact the nature of crime and policing methods and use this to develop organisational strategies and approaches that harness the opportunities of technology and manage technology-related risk.
- I lead the development of a comprehensive, modern and reforming organisational information technology strategy.
- I lead the implementation of the organisation’s information technology strategy and linked processes to support the delivery of both the force’s priorities and national policing initiatives.
- I lead the commissioning and deliver the operational efficiencies of new or improved technologies, networks and operating systems and their transformational impact on the force’s service delivery and/or cost reduction.
- I review and analyse relevant information in order to take strategic decisions which are critical to the organisation’s performance.