Current portfolio

Law Enforcement Data Service

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: £1.1bn
Published schedule: 01/04/2014 – 31/12/2026
NISTA delivery confidence: AMBER
Senior responsible owner: Mark Gilmartin

What the project is for

The Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) is replacing the legacy Police National Computer (PNC) with a modern, secure and scalable data platform for policing and wider law enforcement agencies. LEDS is designed to provide continuity of core functionality while introducing enhanced capabilities, including image sharing, geo‑location data and automated alerts, enabling more effective access to and use of information across law enforcement. The PNC, which has been in operation for several decades, underpins critical policing activities, including arrests, traffic enforcement and safeguarding interventions. However, as an ageing system originally designed for an earlier technological environment, it is increasingly complex and costly to maintain and is less able to meet evolving operational and security requirements. LEDS provides a platform that supports more integrated, intelligence‑led policing and is designed to evolve over time in line with operational needs. By transitioning from legacy infrastructure to a modern data service, the programme aims to improve system resilience, data accessibility and the ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.

Departmental delivery commentary

The Amber delivery confidence assessment remains appropriate, reflecting continued progress in delivering the Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) and ongoing commitment to its modernisation objectives. While challenges remain, the programme is making measurable progress against its delivery plan, and successful delivery to agreed time and cost remains achievable in line with the approved business case.

Schedule

The programme delivery schedule has been extended to enable Final Endpoint Switchover (FES) by September 2026 and programme closure by December 2026. This extension, along with the underpinning delivery milestones, was outlined in the updated programme business case, which was approved by InvestCo (Investment Committee) on 18 December 2025.

Cost

In year forecast of £146.11m vs a funding allocation of £139.71m represents a 4.6% increase/variance. This increase is due to bringing forward work identified in Persons, Vehicles and SRG for FY26/27 into FY25/26.

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the projects departmentally agreed benefits at 24/25 Q4 (measured in £m) decreased from £458.895m to £457.837m. This is primarily due to £1.06m of benefits moving from forecast benefit to realised.