The Force and Technological Singularity

Today, we present “Thin Digital Line”, an innovative new podcast series led by Exception, the innovative Digital Transformation specialist, and former Deputy Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police and NPCC Drugs Lead, Jason Harwin KPM.

This six-episode series (which is now available across all major podcast platforms) explores how emerging technologies and data could shape British policing, discussing the impact of digital advancements on the future of law enforcement.

Each episode features in-depth discussions between Jason and senior leaders from NPCC and forces, offering unique insights into the transformative potential for policing.

Jason Harwin KPM, host of Thin Digital Line, added

“This series is not just about predicting the future, but also about preparing for it. We are entering an era where AI, digitisation, and cyber will revolutionise the way the service operates. It’s essential that we start this dialogue now, to ensure that policing continues to evolve alongside society. Through these conversations with distinguished colleagues from the NPCC and various forces, we hope to shed light on how policing is adapting to these fast-emerging trends.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC chair and guest on Thin Digital Line, added:

“The Thin Digital Line series offers valuable insights into the ways in which policing could navigate an increasingly digital world. It offers a glimpse into our digital priorities, explores how our approach is already being shaped by digital advancement and looks at how we might adapt our service ahead of the year 2045.”

Episode one features Gavin Stephens QPM, and Tony Blaker QPM, Digital, Data and Technology Coordination Committee Chief of Staff. It explores the concept of technological singularity and its implications for policing, delving into how advancements in AI and automation could transform the future of law enforcement, including the roles of human officers versus machines.

You can listen to it here:

As part of the first ever Modernising Policing week, the NPCC will shine a light on the areas being explored to transform law enforcement nationally. Throughout the week you will see updates from the teams working to transform policing, from those working in data, facial recognition, AI, and more. We will also be highlighting the work of our partners, such as the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser and academia, taking place to drive change and propel policing in to the 21st century. 

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair said: 

“This week we are hosting the first ever Modernising Policing week to celebrate some of the efforts to innovate locally, regionally and nationally. 

“It’s important we recognise the contribution that our staff and officers are making in areas like developing Artificial Intelligence, automation, improving data and driving real change in policing. 

“We know that technological developments will be the single biggest driver of reform in policing in the coming years and embedding new technologies is the only way we can hope to continue delivering the service the public deserves and expects.”

You can find out more about the teams working in this area on our website: Modernising Policing (npcc.police.uk)

Confirmed Podcast platforms that will be broadcasting Thin Digital Line include:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Google / YouTube Music
• Amazon Music
• Alexa
• Audible
• Podchaser
• Player FM
• Overcast
• Podcast Addict
• Podcast Index
• Stitcher
• Pandora
• SiriusXM