Professionals from multiple disciplines and industries gathered together at our techBREK event at Dublin’s Mastercard Tech Hub to explore the intersection of technology and policing. The event, titled Policing in the Digital Age, featured a keynote by Tim Willoughby, Head of Digital Services and Innovation at An Garda Síochána, where he shared insights on the digital transformation of Ireland’s national police force. Sabrina Staunton, Director of Mastercard Tech Hub Dublin, and Grace Hayes, Executive Vice President of Technology at Mastercard, presented in advance of Tim and set the tone for an engaging session focused on innovation and technology’s role in modern policing.
Mastercard’s Vision for Technology and Innovation
Sabrina opened the event with an enthusiastic welcome to attendees, highlighting the goal of Mastercard’s Dublin Tech Hub to foster innovation and connections among technology professionals. She introduced the 4-part Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet techBREK series, delivered in partnership with Mastercard, all focused on various tech trends, with Policing in the Digital Age being the first of four.
Grace emphasised Mastercard’s commitment to leading through technology. She explained how Mastercard’s tech hubs around the world serve as centres of innovation, driving not just company-wide solutions, but also supporting local communities and industries. “The work done at our tech hubs brings consultants, customers, and communities together, creating moments that matter and powering everyday life,” she remarked. Grace highlighted the importance of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and AI, in tackling challenges like economic crime and sustainability.
The Digital Transformation of Policing: Data, Governance, and Real-Time Solutions
Taking to the stage, Tim Willoughby went straight into the digital journey of An Garda Síochána, explaining the advancements made in mobile technology, body-worn cameras, and data management.
One of the cornerstone projects Tim spearheaded was the Garda Active Mobility Programme, which has now equipped over 15,000 Gardaí with mobile devices. These tools allow officers to access real-time data on drivers and vehicles, streamlining roadside checks and ensuring better decision-making in the field. Tim described how officers can now, with a simple device, access data from multiple sources – including the Road Safety Authority and the insurance industry – to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.
Another major initiative Tim highlighted was the rollout of body-worn cameras in Dublin and Limerick, with further deployments planned across the country. These cameras provide transparency and accountability, enhancing both officer safety and public trust. Tim expressed his pride in how quickly these projects have been adopted, emphasising their impact on modernising policing practices in Ireland.
Tim shared insights into how technology is reshaping Garda operations beyond mobile devices and body cameras. He outlined plans for real-time data integration, where officers can instantly pull up data from various government agencies and databases at the roadside, improving response times and data accuracy.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
A key theme throughout Tim’s presentation was the importance of focusing on problems, not solutions. “Love the problem, not the solution,” he repeated, explaining that many tech solutions fail because they address perceived needs rather than the underlying issues. He shared anecdotes about past projects where the wrong technology was chosen simply because it seemed like the easiest solution at the time. “We have four document management systems in An Garda Síochána,” he quipped, “not because we want four, but because we kept implementing solutions without fully understanding the problems.”
The Importance of Collaboration and Persistence
Throughout the presentation, Tim underscored the importance of collaboration between An Garda Síochána and external stakeholders such as government departments, insurance companies, and other public service bodies. He shared how bringing key decision-makers out into the field helped them better understand the challenges faced by officers. “We took them out in the rain, to show them what it’s really like standing on the side of the road checking discs. That’s when they truly understood the need for change,” he recalled.
Tim closed with a reflection on persistence and the challenges of pushing innovation within a large organisation. “If someone says no, it’s just the beginning of the conversation,” he said, encouraging the audience to stay committed to their ideas, even when faced with resistance.
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, attendees were invited to experience live demonstrations of the new Garda vehicles, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology that has become an integral part of modern policing in Ireland. The morning was a fascinating glimpse into how technology is revolutionising not just policing, but public service as a whole.
Tim’s presentation offered valuable insights for anyone interested in how innovation can be successfully integrated into long-standing institutions. The blend of mobile technology, body-worn cameras, and data-driven solutions represents the future of policing in Ireland – a future that is already becoming a reality.
The next event in our techBREK series with Mastercard takes place 1st October 2024, focusing on cyber resilience for SMEs and the supports that small businesses need to meet their skills demands. The event is most suitable for business owners, executives, policy and research specialists, and industry leaders, whether you are in the cybersecurity space, the SME space or tech and innovation space.
This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to learn more and register your place.