The Public Services Network (PSN) with the Policing overlay (PSNfP) has served as a critical infrastructure for enabling secure communication and data sharing among law enforcement agencies in the UK for many years. It has ensured that these agencies can collaborate effectively, securely and in compliance with good practice standards.
In May 2021, we announced that consuming services over PSNfP will be changing.
In the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement technology, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Organisations are being encouraged to migrate from the Public Services Network for Policing (PSNfP) to modern network solutions for more competitive commercial terms, enhanced flexibility and greater scalability.
Enter the Law Enforcement Community Network (LECN) – a vital infrastructure facilitating seamless communication, collaboration, and data sharing among law enforcement agencies built by the Home Office.
LECN will continue to enable the exchange of critical information crucial for investigations, public safety, and homeland security. At its core, LECN fosters interoperability, allowing agencies to coordinate operations at local, regional, national, and even international levels.
The benefits of being connected to LECN:
Being connected to the law enforcement community network offers several benefits, in addition to the significant improvements in performance and bandwidth:
- Access to Resources and Information: One significant advantage is access to a wealth of resources and information. This can include databases, training materials, best practices, and updates on laws and regulations. As UK law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on digital networks for critical operations, the need for secure, efficient, and cost-effective connectivity solutions has never been more important.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Networking within the law enforcement community fosters collaboration among agencies and professionals. This collaboration can lead to joint operations, sharing of intelligence, and coordinated responses to complex situations such as organised crime or terrorism. By pooling resources and expertise, law enforcement can address challenges more comprehensively.
- Enhanced Communication and Coordination: Connectivity within the law enforcement community facilitates seamless communication and coordination among agencies. Whether it’s sharing critical information during investigations, coordinating emergency responses, or aligning strategies to address emerging threats, effective communication is essential for law enforcement agencies to work together efficiently.
- Increased Safety and Security: Through networking, law enforcement professionals can strengthen security measures and enhance public safety. By sharing information about criminal activities, trends, and threats, agencies can identify potential risks early and take proactive measures to mitigate them. This collaborative approach contributes to creating safer communities and protecting both law enforcement officers and the general public.
Can the Home Office help me connect to LECN?
Most of the UK Police Forces and Law Enforcement agencies have already migrated to LECN under the Home Office led programme. Unfortunately the remit of the LECN programme does not extend to the wider community of Regulators and Law Enforcement Software Vendors who continue to require access to Law Enforcement data and services, or provide access to their services over the private network. As a result this wider community needs to plan their own transition to LECN.
To facilitate this process, the Home Office is supported by Police Digital Services (PDS) to establish the necessary standards and processes. LECN gateway providers, such as Nine23, are required to comply with PDS processes such as Third-Party Assurance Process (TPAP) to achieve PDS compliance and support the transition to LECN for Regulators and Law Enforcement Software Vendors.
TPAP is a framework established by Police Digital Services (PDS) to ensure that third-party suppliers and service providers meet the necessary security, compliance, and operational standards to work with law enforcement and other public safety organisations.
By implementing the Third-Party Assurance Process, PDS aims to ensure that third-party suppliers and service providers can be trusted to handle law enforcement data securely and effectively, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and supporting the operational needs of public safety organisations.
