Police intelligence database progress slammed

IT suppliers have hit out at the lack of progress made by the Home Office on the national police intelligence system recommended by the Bichard Inquiry into the Soham murder investigation.

Sir Michael Bichard's report in 2004 highlighted the failures in police intelligence and criminal record vetting procedures that allowed Soham murderer Ian Huntley to get a job as a school caretaker - and said a national intelligence sharing system should be a priority.

Last year Bichard spoke out about the lack of progress that had been made and said there was cause for concern because the Home Office timetable for the Impact intelligence system had slipped already.

The Home Office maintains the 2008 deadline for its implementation has not slipped, although just last week it admitted in response to a written Parliamentary Question that the business case for the system has still not been approved.

IT supplier trade body Intellect has now expressed its concerns at the lack of progress and claims it has had little information about its development since the initial recommendation made by Bichard.

Nick Kalisperas, director at Intellect, said in a statement: "It is increasingly worrying that 18 months on from the recommendation, little has been done. It is crucial that this is prioritised and that government and industry engage closely in order for the citizens to gain maximum benefits from this programme."