Image source: GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
Tony Eastaugh has been appointed as interim chief executive officer of the Police Digital Service (PDS).
He has joined the organisation as he steps down from the role of biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner, and as PDS goes through a difficult period following the arrest of two of its staff, the departure of its previous CEO and an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud, bribery and misconduct in public office.
PDS is the national organisation for supporting UK police forces with digital services in solutions.
In July it became public that two of its employees had been arrested and that an investigation by City of London Police was underway. PDS also said that a review was taking placed, although it was continuing its activities.
In the following weeks it was revealed that its previous CEO, Ian Bell, had left the organisation.
Crucial work
PDS has now confirmed Eastaugh’s appointment, and issued a statement from him.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to join the PDS team as we continue our crucial work to deliver digital, data and technology solutions into policing to help keep communities safe and secure,” he said.
“The skills, experience, and dedication of the entire PDS team will mean we can deliver stronger results as we support our colleagues in law enforcement.
“PDS plays a pivotal and crucial role in helping bring about increased public safety, whether through cyber-security for policing, or by providing tools and programmes that support efficiencies and help victims. Policing needs the right technology delivered at the right time, and PDS has the capability and intent to make this happen.”
He has joined shortly after announcing that he would end his brief stint as biometrics and information commissioner. The role was intended to be short term due to the plan to abolish the office as part of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, but this was lost due to a lack of parliamentary time before the recent general election, leaving uncertainty about the future of the organisation.
