A new study led by researchers from the National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research based in Population Data Science at Swansea University, explored the untapped possibilities of data sharing among key agencies, including the police force, health, education, and social services.
Published in Sage Journals, the study examines views on the challenges and opportunities associated with data sharing for public protection.
Inspired by the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998’s mandate for collaboration to combat violent crime, the study delves into opinions on linking police data with other agency data. The research team carried out semi-structured interviews with 36 individuals from across the police services in Wales, including representatives from the Violence Prevention Unit and Police Liaison Unit.
The research identified two key themes: 1) opinions on systems used for public protection and 2) views on data sharing. Findings included the need for a standardised system, concerns about data quality, and the importance of a clear framework for data sharing. Acknowledging potential benefits like robust reports and better decision-making, the study also identifies barriers such as data protection concerns and uncertainty about permissible data sharing. Recommendations from the research team propose guidelines and high-level support as solutions to overcome these barriers.
This research forms the second element of the NIHR-funded project titled “Unlocking Data to Inform Public Health Policy and Practice” which focuses on three key work packages:
- Text Mining Feasibility: to develop an automated method for extracting agency information from the text field of incident summaries in police reports using text mining.
- Interviews with Police and Domestic Violence Service Providers: to investigate the barriers and facilitators related to data sharing within the police force and across various organisations, with a specific emphasis on domestic violence service providers.
- Case Study on Public Protection Referral (PPN) Data: to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of linking police and healthcare data. This research, published in the Lancet, linked PPN (public protection referral) data with general practitioner (GP) and hospital data.
Hope Jones, Researcher at the Centre, stated: “Our research indicates that sharing police data for public health benefit is feasible, with strong support from the police service areas across Wales. Sharing this data may help with future policies and practice as well as developing interventions for vulnerable families.”
The study recommends future directions focus on demonstrating the benefits of data sharing and consulting the public to ensure trust. Standardising protocols, defining shared information, and addressing data governance issues are essential for successful data sharing. The study highlights the need for high-level buy-in and clear guidelines to unlock the potential benefits of sharing data across agencies.
Professor Sinead Brophy, Director at the Centre, said: “This research is a significant step towards collaboration among key agencies for the greater good of public protection. By addressing barriers and embracing a unified approach to data sharing, Wales can pave the way for safer communities and more effective crime prevention strategies. As a Centre, we look forward to continue to work with the police, healthcare services, and other partners to develop this research and improve data sharing.”