The Policing Insight UK Police Digital Experience Survey 2025 has been the largest ever consultation of its type. It has produced a massive resource for everyone involved in planning UK Policing’s future digital journey as part of the wider police reform agenda.

The survey resulted from an unprecedented partnership between policing, government and industry in which over 8,000 members of the UK police service gave their candid assessment of the digital tools they are given to do their job.

This Survey results panel discussion, held on 18th June, organised by the Police Digital Service and hosted by survey partners Qualtrics, was a timely opportunity to hear about the background to the survey, get deeper insights into what the findings tell us, learn about the plans for what comes next.

The panel, moderated by industry consultant and former chief constable Nick Gargan, consisted of key survey and policing stakeholders:

• Simon Kempton, National Board member, Police Federation of England & Wales
• Dr Sydney Heimbrock, Chief Advisor for Public Sector, Qualtrics
• Stephen Russell, Director of Data, Strategy & Technology, Warwickshire Police
• Tony Blaker, Chief of Staff at the NPCC DDaT Co-ordinating Committee
• Ian Barrett, Director, Policing Insight

The panel discussion on frontline sentiment about digital policing, captures a conversation that goes well beyond systems and software. Drawing on survey findings and reactions from policing, technology and national leadership, the session asks two hard questions: so what, and now what? The result is a candid discussion about the gap between digital ambition and day-to-day user experience on the front line.

The video explores a growing frustration that digital transformation in policing is too often being done to officers and staff rather than with them. Speakers describe fragmented systems, poor integration, weak training and technology that can actively harm morale and wellbeing. But the tone is not defeatist. The discussion also highlights examples of better design, better deployment and stronger user experience, with a clear message that policing now has a chance to turn frontline frustration into practical reform.

Key takeaways

• One of the strongest messages is that digital transformation is often being done to users rather than with them.
• The panel says the issue is now less about buying new tech and more about making existing systems work better together.
• Frontline officers are not rejecting technology, they are asking for simpler, more reliable and better integrated tools.
• The report suggests poor digital experience is having a real effect on stress, morale and retention.
• Simon Kempton says officers do not come with graphs, they come with stories of systems failing at critical moments.
• Training is highlighted as a major weakness, especially as AI and digital tools become more central to policing.
• Warwickshire Police is used as an example of how user experience and thoughtful rollout can build trust in technology.
• The overall message is that national leaders now have to treat frontline digital frustration as a call to action.

Sound bites

• “Digital transformation is often being done to users rather than with users.”
• “Technology is often hindering rather than helping frontline policing.”
• “Officers don’t come to us with graphs, they come to us with stories.”
• “The experience was built around the officer.”