Police Digital Service employees arrested

Image source: istock.com/Brian A Jackson

Two employees of the Police Digital Service (PDS) have been arrested on suspicion of fraud, bribery and misconduct in public office.

The organisation, which is funded by police bodies and the Home Office to develop and manage digital services for UK police forces, has confirmed the move and said the unnamed employees are also being investigated for misconduct by an independent HR consultancy.

Although no further details are yet available, it added: “Given the seriousness of the issues raised, a thorough review of PDS will be undertaken. The company’s work remains unaffected.”

The investigation, which first became public through a reference on the Major Incident Public Reporting Site, has been confirmed by City of London Police.

It issued a statement from T/Detective Superintended James Halkett saying: “The City of London Police are leading a criminal investigation into allegations made against two individuals employed by the company Police Digital Service. The suspects have been arrested for fraud, bribery, and misconduct in a public office.”

PDS has a central role in supporting police forces in their use of digital tools and services, reflected in the recent renewal of its strategic partnership with IT industry association techUK.