Former UK Biometrics Commissioner Named CEO of Police Digital Service

The Police Digital Service (PDS) has appointed former UK government biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner Tony Eastaugh as its interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the resignation of Ian Bell.

Eastaugh, who took on the role on August 19, 2024, is stepping in at a challenging time for PDS, which is currently dealing with the fallout from the arrest of two employees on suspicion of bribery, fraud, and misconduct in public office. The PDS is an organization that supports law enforcement by delivering digital solutions and technology to enhance policing capabilities and public safety across the UK.

Eastaugh previously served as the director general at the Home Office, which provides partial funding for PDS’s efforts in overseeing the National Police Digital Strategy.

“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,” Eastaugh said in a statement to Computer Weekly. “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.”

Eastaugh also recently served as the UK’s Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner. He took over that role in December 2023, and was initially tasked with overseeing the closure of the Commissioner’s office as part of proposed legislation aimed at merging its functions with other roles. He resigned from that position earlier this month, following the interruption of this legislative process due to an unexpected general election, leaving the future of the office uncertain.

Eastaugh’s appointment comes during a period of significant upheaval for PDS, which is not only dealing with the recent arrests but also facing internal reviews and the departure of another director.

Owen Sayers, an independent security consultant, noted that Eastaugh is well-suited for the role given his history with caretaker and fixer roles at the Home Office.

“I would hope that whilst he is in charge, he does initiate a proper top-to-bottom review of PDS, its role, construction and operation, since all of these need examination,” Sayers told Computer Weekly. “At present, Police digital activities are led by a profit-making limited company, which has driven the deployment of cloud services on terms which do not comply with UK laws. In his new role, I am sure he will assume responsibility for PDS actions moving forward, so will want to know why that’s been done.”

Source: Computer Weekly

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August 23, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith