A decision on the failing multi-million pound iOPS system has still not taken, despite Manchester’s chief constable saying that one was due to be made in December.
The computer system, which has cost over £29 million to implement – although the exact figure may never be known – still has major flaws, particularly in the “Police Works” system, which is used to track investigations. Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who was landed with the unenviable task of managing the problems when he took over in 2021, organised an ‘Options Review’ of the system earlier this year, and had stated that a decision would be taken in December.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “This whole thing has been shambolic. Delay after delay, review after review, problem after problem.
“We keep getting the excuse that many police forces have problems bringing in new IT systems. Well, I asked at the last Council meeting how many police forces had had as many problems as GMP, and it’s a very simple answer. None.
“Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes has again said that PoliceWorks continues to be a very serious problem for the police. It’s not just a problem for the police – it’s a problem for every victim of crime who has been let down because this system is not fit for purpose.”
A new report – delayed from October – is now due to be presented to the GMCA on February 7.
Councillor Al-Hamdani continued: “It has taken years to get to this point, and the decision making process is being dragged out further and further. Bev Hughes said in 2020 that ‘no stone would be unturned’ in looking into this. Well, it seems too long has been spent turning stones over, and not enough time making decisions.
“I feel sorry for the officers and staff who want to help people, but have been left struggling because of this expensive failure. More than that, I feel sorry for the people who currently feel there is no point reporting crimes because nothing will happen. We need systems that work, so that people regain confidence in the Police.
“PoliceWorks Doesn’tWork.”