Emergency Tech Show 2026: Connecting Police Data to Better Operational Decisions

Ben Jarvis

Chief Technology Officer, Data & AI

7 October 2026

Bringing data and AI into the policing conversation

Emergency Tech Show 2026 brought together policing, emergency services and technology professionals to explore how technology can support the future of public safety.

Telefónica Tech was proud to exhibit on the Microsoft Pavilion, connecting with attendees to discuss the role of data and AI in police reform, operational efficiency and better decision-making.

A key highlight was our session with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), which explored how the force is transforming its data platform to improve access to information, strengthen reporting capabilities and build the foundations for predictive policing.

From connected data to predictive policing

During the session, Greater Manchester Police Data Transformation Journey with Telefónica Tech: From Connected Data to Predictive Policing, Ben Jarvis, CTO at Telefónica Tech UK&I, joined Dan Toland, Assistant Director of IT and Digital Directorate for Architecture and Strategy at Greater Manchester Police, on the Microsoft Partner Stage.

The discussion explored GMP’s data transformation journey, including the challenges of its legacy environment, the decisions behind its new data platform and the opportunities this creates for the future.

Addressing the challenges of disconnected data

Before the programme, GMP relied on legacy integrations, overnight data extracts and a reporting environment without a centralised data and analytics platform. This meant information could be up to 24 hours out of date, limiting the force’s ability to access timely insights and make decisions based on current operational demand.

The introduction of a new records management system (RMS) provided the initial catalyst for change. What began as a requirement to integrate systems evolved into a wider opportunity to modernise the force’s data estate and bring forward the replacement of its legacy Cognos data warehouse.

Building a more connected data platform

GMP partnered with Telefónica Tech to implement Azure Databricks as the foundation for its data strategy.

The platform provides a more flexible way to integrate data from different systems, improve access to information and support centralised reporting and analytics.

GMP has delivered 12 integrations into Databricks and is progressing the replacement of its existing Cognos data warehouse, alongside development of the reporting framework needed to support future analytical capabilities.

These integrations are also enabling the force to access data from systems that were previously difficult to connect, creating opportunities to make better use of information across the organisation.

Laying the foundations for predictive policing

Looking ahead, the discussion focused on how connected data can help forces move beyond retrospective reporting towards more proactive, data-informed decision-making.

For GMP, the ambition is to identify emerging risks and patterns in demand sooner, helping the force direct the appropriate skills and resources where they are needed.

Future capabilities could combine dashboards, geospatial mapping and conversational analytics to make insights more accessible to officers and analysts. Over time, this could support demand forecasting, more informed resource planning and earlier interventions to reduce the impact of crime and improve outcomes for victims.

The session also highlighted the wider relevance of this approach to police reform. While each force has its own systems and requirements, a flexible data platform can provide a foundation for connecting different technologies and making information more readily available.

Key lessons for police forces embarking on data transformation

GMP’s experience offered several practical takeaways for forces looking to strengthen their data capabilities.

Start with a clear, achievable use case: Rather than attempting to transform the entire data estate at once, forces can begin with a focused proof of concept, learn from the results and scale from there.
Build the foundations first: Reliable data integration and a well-structured data platform are essential to making information more accessible and supporting advanced analytics.
Design for flexibility: A platform that can connect different systems gives forces greater scope to accommodate new technologies, changing requirements and future data-sharing ambitions.
Keep operational outcomes in focus: Data transformation should support practical improvements, from more timely reporting and better visibility of demand to more informed decisions about resources.

One of the key messages from the session was the importance of taking a pragmatic approach. Starting with achievable outcomes can help forces build capability and demonstrate value before expanding into more complex data and AI initiatives.

Continuing the conversation on police reform

Emergency Tech Show 2026 provided an opportunity to discuss the practical challenges of police data transformation and how technology can help forces turn their data strategies into operational capabilities.

As police reform progresses, strong data foundations will be increasingly important. Connecting systems, improving access to information and establishing effective governance can help forces make better use of their data today while preparing for more advanced analytical capabilities in the future.

At Telefónica Tech, we work with public sector organisations to develop data and AI capabilities aligned with their operational priorities and long-term strategies.

Discover how data and AI can help bridge the gap between police reform strategy and delivery, with practical insights into the capabilities and foundations needed to move forward. Read the Police Reform Guide →