West Midlands Police

Revolutionising Policing for Major Events and Daily Operations

West Midlands Police (WMP) has transformed its approach to public safety by integrating surveillance feeds from various agencies and private organisations throughout the region. This improves incident detection, verification, and response for both major events and routine policing. This initiative aligns with WMP’s Digital Policing Strategy, which emphasises leveraging technology to provide smarter, more efficient, and community-focused policing.

A Unified Surveillance Solution Sparked by the Commonwealth Games

To prepare for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which drew approximately 141.2 million visitors, WMP partnered with Ocular
and Synectics to create a centralised control facility.

This facility integrates camera feeds from partners, including Birmingham City Council, National Highways Road Traffic Monitoring, Transport for West Midlands, and West Midlands Combined Authority. The result is a regional surveillance network that has redefined day-to-day operations for the UK’s second-largest police force, supporting the Digital Policing Strategy’s goal of harnessing data and technology to improve operational effectiveness.

Real-Time Access for Rapid Response

WMP’s system leverages the Digital Video Network Protocol (DVNP), direct system integrations, and secure server-to-server connections to access 2,000 cameras across 348 square miles, serving nearly 2.8 million residents. Covering roads, public spaces, and major venues, the network enables operators to quickly verify incidents and deploy appropriate responses, which is a cornerstone of the Digital Policing Strategy’s focus on real-time data-driven decision-making.

Alex Heare, CCTV Manager – IT & Digital at West Midlands Police, explains: “With access to this vast network, our operators can instantly get ‘eyes on’ to confirm reports and ensure the right team is dispatched. This prevents wasted resources on false or inaccurate calls and allows officers to provide real-time updates, aligning with our strategy to optimise resource allocation through technology.”

The system fosters partnerships with private stakeholders like shopping centres, arenas, and hospitals. Alex notes, “Integrating feeds from non-public organisations is increasingly vital, especially with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Our setup simplifies this collaboration, breaking down previous barriers and supporting our strategy’s aim to build stronger community and stakeholder partnerships.”

Streamlined Evidence Handling

The solution includes secure video evidence sharing between public and private entities, aligning with the Digital Policing Strategy’s emphasis on secure, efficient data management. WMP’s existing digital evidence management system integrates seamlessly with partner feeds and plans to further simplify the process. Synectics’ Synergy software unifies camera feeds and evidence from diverse sources, enabling faster incident verification and response, enhancing public trust and operational transparency.

Securing Police Infrastructure

WMP employs the system to centrally monitor its facilities, including police stations and evidence storage sites. The ongoing rollout will connect all sites, thereby enhancing security and operational efficiency across the estate—a key component of the Digital Policing Strategy’s focus on protecting critical infrastructure through advanced technology.

Future-Proofing with Flexibility

With such a flexible solution at their disposal, WMP is keen to leverage its full potential, and is working with Synectics and Ocular to explore options ranging from the use of analytics to being able to access footage from body-worn cameras and drones in Synergy.

Mastering Major Events

The surveillance solution is crucial for managing large-scale events, ranging from sports matches to political conferences. A dedicated viewing suite allows operators to concentrate on relevant feeds, ensuring efficient monitoring. Heare reflects, “The system, supported by Ocular and Synectics, has given us invaluable experience managing events of all scales. It’s a robust foundation for flexible, effective policing that aligns with our digital strategy’s event management goals.”

By integrating cutting-edge technology, fostering regional collaboration, and advancing its Digital Policing Strategy, WMP’s surveillance network enhances public safety and operational efficiency. Heare concludes, “Keeping residents and visitors safe is our priority, and this technology, combined with community support, empowers us to do so with confidence.”