Met police IT chief gets boardroom seat

The Metropolitan Police Service has signalled the importance of IT and communications to 21st century policing by making its IT chief a member of the force's management board.

Ailsa Beaton, director of information at the Met, was this week been appointed to the Commissioner's Management Board by new Met police chief Sir Ian Blair.

Beaton has been IT director at the Met for five years and is responsible for all ICT services to the 45,000 police officers and staff in the London force.

Speaking on her appointment in a statement, she said: "The appointment… to the Met's Management Board is a significant step forward - and tangible proof of the strategic importance of information and communications to the service."

Beaton is also a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and represents the Met on the Home Office's science and technology strategy group. She also has 20 years' experience working in IT including roles as CIO for ICL and a senior partner at PA Consulting Group.

The Met police is currently in the final stages of the procurement process for a huge IT outsourcing contract that could be worth up to £650m. Capgemini and EDS have been shortlisted for the deal, which is due to be awarded later this year.