Saab to supply SAFE security system for Cheshire Police

Defence and security company Saab has secured a 10-year contract from Cheshire Police to supply SAFE unified control room solution for critical infrastructure protection.

The SAFE platform, which is intended to replace a number of Cheshire’s existing systems, will be deployed to protect all public contact including 999 and 101 calls, communications management, incident management and resource deployment.

The contract is part of a framework agreement network made by the Cheshire constabulary. In addition, a framework agreement is signed to allow 16 additional British local police to buy the SAFE system directly from Saab.

The SAFE security system features modular design, multi-role capability and workflow-driven user interface. It can be deployed on web, fixed and mobile clients.

It combines all the functions required of a modern mission-critical control room into a single software application.

The local police included in the framework are Cumbria Constabulary, Derbyshire Constabulary, Dyfed Powys Police, GreaterManchester Police, Gwent Police, Hampshire Constabulary, Lancashire Police, Merseyside Police, Metropolitan Police, Northamptonshire Police, North Wales Police, Nottinghamshire Police, Police Scotland, Thames Valley Police, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.

Saab public safety solutions director Simon Read said: "SAFE is a truly unified solution and is in live operation in over 30 mission-critical control rooms around the world.

"We see the ability to integrate multiple communications systems and diverse intelligence sources, plus the sharing of data with partner agencies, as pivotal in the provision of a modern service. SAFE has been built from the ground up to meet these challenges head on."

The delivery of the SAFE platform begins immediately and the initial roll-out will continue through 2016.

Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: "By bringing together several systems we will not only reduce costs and see improved efficiency, but will also be in a position to make significantly better use of data and ultimately deliver a better service to the public."