Towards a Cloud Effective Metropolitan Police Services - By Emmanuel Iheanyi

ABSTRACT – Recent economic decline and further predicted decrease in certain countries in Europe have forced their governments into employing important measures to protect its economies. The government reduction in spending as part of her measures has indeed been proposed by the United Kingdom (UK). The UK Metropolitan Police (UMP), an arm of the government, has been hit by these cuts in capital allocations leading to reduction in its proposed budgets and expenditures. Hence an effective use and management of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and its resources while delivering efficient and better police service is of high importance to the UK Metropolitan Police. The Internet provides a more interactive and effective means of disseminating information within its users, but maintaining availability now pose a major challenge of complexity and scalability with increasing operational cost. Cloud Computing technology has helped overcome some of these challenges by making use of the internet and a remote resource centre to manage computer infrastructures, applications and allow users on-demand access to any of these services. Its scalability, simplicity, availability and flexibility do bring a better approach to police services. This research explores the different applications of cloud computing technology in improving Metropolitan police services while reducing their operational cost.

Keywords; Cloud computing, Information communication technology (ICT), UK Metropolitan Police (UMP), Police services.

I. INTRODUCTION

Cloud computing is an emerging computer technology model in which end users have access to their files, basic computing infrastructures and can define their own applications regardless of their location via the internet. Its technology makes computer resources scalable over the internet, giving users various options of subscriptions .The technology makes these resources a utility to the end user which is cost effective as users get to pay for only the amount of services utilized [1]. It improves service delivery, enables business innovations and most service providers define the technology to suit the type of services they render to customers [2]. This paper introduces the basic understanding of cloud computing. It describes the features expected of a cloud system, how the services are deployed and the type of services that can be offered. It further gives an overview of UMP, analyse some various problems associated with their ICT and finally examines how cloud computing can be integrated into their ICT network; ease the burden of increasing ICT innovations and advances while reducing its overall cost on ICT.

II. DEFINITION

Gartner defined cloud computing as “a style of computing where massively scalable Information Technology enabled capabilities are delivered as a service to external customers using internet technology” [3]. It is a web service which allows users the access to resizable cloud storage capacity, virtual servers and computer applications and software remotely [4]. The resources, applications and information which are logically stored in the cloud are shared among users [5].

A.       Features Of Cloud Computing

Figure1. Cloud Computing System [1] 

These features described by figure 1 draws a generalized view of what is expected of a cloud system.

1. Broad Network Access: a minor client or mobile device (iPad, smart phones and PDAs) should have access to the resources in cloud as they seek them. Laptops, computing systems all have access to the cloud network and it is independent of their location. It also allows interoperability between various devices.

2. Measured Services: each user is measured or charged by the amount of service rendered to him with a flexible service plan.

3. On-Demand Self Service: end users have hosted or stored application and major processing functions are

made available to independent users based on their demand [1].

4. Rapid Elasticity: cloud computing have the ability to expand its services and adapt to frequent growing increase in demand for ICT and subsequent innovations.

5. Resource Pooling: cloud services make available resources to multiple end users. Some users can have variable level (normal, optimum or premium) access to specific resources which varies according to the terms of agreement or subscription plan between the service provider and the end user [4].

It is important to note that the cloud infrastructure which comprises of the hardware and software are the devices that enable the above described features (NSIT). They can be deployed to the users in different environment depending on the service agreed on.

B. Cloud Deployment

1. Public Cloud: in this model the service provider makes available the resources to an external user. The company owns, manages, maintains its infrastructure and bears the operational cost. Profits are usually generated through advertisement and some premium services [6].

2. Private cloud: the service provider renders end users a virtual private network in which they can host their own services. Both the provider and user coexist within the same enterprise [2].

3. Hybrid Cloud: A combination of both public and private cloud forms a hybrid cloud. It describes a user who decides to utilize both services from the same company.

4. Community Cloud: describes a cloud in which certain community of end users from who share similar goals and views have access and share particular cloud infrastructures [7].

The above described model gives the user a way to define the architecture of his preferred cloud structure, however the real services rendered to him does vary according to the need.

C. Cloud Service Delivery Model

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS): a computer in the cloud! This service brings to the users a personalized network structure based on a pay-as-you-use (resources) basis [1]. This provides a virtualized technology (virtual server) in which users define their own applications and computer specifications Data storage capacity, CPU speed, compute bandwidth, Operating System (OS) type are some of the defined instances. Amazon EC2, IBM Smart Cloud and Go-Grid are some typical IAAS services.

2. Platform as a Service (PAAS): here the service is targeted for application developers. The service provider renders to the developers an Operating

System, language debugger and some other basic programming tools in the cloud. The service allows developers to design their own applications remotely and deploy them to the cloud for execution. All the program processing is handled by the cloud network. Examples of such service are Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure.

3. Software as a Service (SAAS): SAAS describes a cloud service in which applications and software’s hosted by service providers are made available to the users through the internet which is accessible by a web browser. In SAAS presently, the company provides the service freely to the users but actually users at the other hand, render there information, time and interest area which is very useful to interested companies.[1]

III. THE UK METROPOLITAN POLICE (UMP)

The British London police popularly known as the UK Metropolitan Police was established in 1839 with about 850 police officers and 406 civilian support staffs. Their primary objective is to prevent and detect crime, punish offenders, protection of live and property and maintain a unique, respective and interactive co-operation with the community [8].

The structure of the UMP which is headed by the Management Board (9 members) is made up of 3-Operational Units (Op’s) and 4-Directorate. Each of these Units and Directorates has different departments with specific roles. The Directorate of Information (DOI) is an arm of the management board that is responsible for providing ICT services to the grown (51,000 workforce) police officers and staffs [9]. Amongst part of its (DOI) various responsibilities is the strategic ICT development within the UMP which aims at integrating new technologies into police services while setting a foundation for innovations and improvements [10]. The increasing economic challenges faced in the present government and the force has deemed it necessary for ICT management to be adaptive to cope with the underlining trends.

The world is changing, technologies are improving, more advanced innovations are emerging, the way of life of people and where they live in are adapting to these changes with the type of crimes committed different from that of earlier times. Hence, UMP approach to these sensitive crimes does need to be significantly improved [11].

A. ICT Setbacks In Ump

ICT development is faced with some drawbacks which were analysed through the type of delivery requirements needed [11].

1. Effective Mode of Operation: a clear collaboration between the police operational procedures and the experts with the right tool is a major issue which needs improvement. These directly affect the frontline officers, inconsistencies and disruptions in

real time operations due to some unfavourable services agreements [10].

2. Information Accessibility & Quality of Service (QoS): the type of ICT architecture makes it difficult for a universal file sharing mechanism with minimal latencies in assessing data and information. Most of the Boroughs have their own database, which is very useful due to it closeness but at times this pose issues especially when retrieving in a congested network. Sometimes information and data are entered multiple times; multiple authentication on the same database needed giving rise to a larger database and cost of maintenance [11].The frontline officers do experience some latency in retrieving information about suspects, victims, etc. when on duty. This reduces the QoS of the general Boroughs grid-like ICT network system.

3. Technological Flexibility: technology and the services that ICT companies render have seen a remarkable increase and further predicted rise. The demand for it keeps getting stronger making it more competitive due to the rate and type of crime committed especially the upcoming 2012 Olympics. This variation is a major concern to the organizational structure of the ICT in the UMP. Some online and mobile devices (internet) access to police data and services can be limited by different technology legacy agreement of various companies. It also raises a question of community policing and flexibility of data access due to the competitive nature of these agreement.

Figure 2. UMP Network System

B. The UMP Network System

Figure 2 shows the grid-like network architecture of the UMP and its mode of information dissemination. The grid architecture does provide good and satisfactory services especially in dynamic institutions [12]. It is also evident that the effectiveness of the police services has been improved by this network. They have realized some level of service quality in ICT and its various applications but as described in the introduction the need for improvement in their services by an alternative approach to the network system has been researched on. The Police Cloud does bring in some recommended solutions to the problems experienced by the police grid cloud and its management to meet their reduced budget. 

Figure 3. The Police Cloud 

C. How The Police Cloud Works

A cloud service provider as earlier discussed could provide these services depending on the service level agreement and cost. The recommended service is the one that allows IAAS and PAAS platform as a service or a hybrid of these services.

The police cloud will be made up of computers network (servers and data storage facilities) called Control Node and other infrastructures. The control node will be the central point of system administration; monitors traffic, client (Boroughs, management board and public) needs and ensures a swift communication. A set of protocols called middleware (software’s) which is defined by the service provider company is used as an interface to enable communication. It also allows the servers to be used at full capacity; virtualization and a dynamic operating system. The company will provide a huge data storage and backup in case of system failure or attacks. It is also recommended that a 2nd backup which should be prioritized on the level of information importance should be located at the user end (The Scotland Yard).

IAAS and PAAS are of high importance to the UMP due to its dynamic operations. These services as earlier described, will enable the officers and staffs develop a virtual machine with their own specifications according what they require. A platform in which applications needed by the force for its operations can be run and executed will be supported. The SAAS can be dynamically used across all the 32 Boroughs, Op’s Unit, Directorates, Management Board and other Police offices. This can be optional as most of these software’s used by the police in ICT are sophisticated and specifically unique for their services.

In terms of deployment model, these features are specifically defined and designed by the police and implemented by the service provider company. The various flexible models allow

information to be shared, monitored and prioritized between departments, local Boroughs, management levels and external agencies. The public would also have a flexible and limited access to information which should be defined by the community cloud model.

D. Benefits Of Police Cloud

1. Low Complex Systems: figure 3 which do show the computer servers in digital storage all embedded into the cloud. Most of the Borough offices will be eased off the burden of constant expansion of data storage devices as they are all stored in the cloud. This reduces the physical amount of storage devices as the bureaus just need mostly application devices to run the cloud services and a low significant amount of backup storage. The overall complexity of ICT devices attached to OP’s Unit, Frontline officers (including cars and mobile devices used) and management board offices will be minimal. The logistics of these ICT infrastructures especially in mobility and rapid deployment to support operations work will be enhanced.

2. Data Availability and Reliability: the previous grid-like structure of the UMP network system describes a 3-way data access route with The Scotland Yard as the central node. The cloud architecture in which the cloud serves as a hub ensures a reduced path of 2-way. This dual route with a central cloud that holds all the data will make information access readily available. The sophisticated server farms and architecture will improve service reliability. Server virtualization in the cloud will enhance interoperability among various network systems. Most of the companies have an acceptable level of integrity with reliable infrastructure and redundancy in case of general failure. The traffic will be minimal as the path route will be reduced. Frontline officers, other units and security agencies will find it easier to retrieve data from any location as long as they have access to the internet.

3. Reduced Burden of IT Personnel: the confinement of data, infrastructures and other cloud ICT systems in the cloud will be in the region of the service provider company. Part of the agreement which is the management of these resources is basically done by the company. ICT maintenance, system upgrades and troubleshooting will be handled by the company. IT support service rendered by some of the police staff will be significantly reduced to basic computer components troubleshooting. The services of these staff can be deployed to other units to enhance operations and effectiveness of the police force. Issues that may arise within the cloud will be resolved faster as the company image and integrity is very important to the customers.

4. Improved Public Relation: A central infrastructure system coupled with electronic data and files give the UMP a more sociable and interactive way of policing

while increasing their confidence. The UMP police cloud model will enhance the police community relations and improve common channel with the public [11]. The public will be able to conveniently access information anytime regardless of their location. Real time information on case progression and security awareness update will be readily available via the internet. Victims and witnesses can be updated regularly prior to hearings and sittings.

5. Reduced Cost: cloud computing does bring a general reduction in operational cost of ICT services in any organization. The previous discussed benefits show a significant decrease in resources and improvement of services. This paper also looks at the way cost of the UMP ICT is influenced by the police cloud; some of these positive impacts are listed below:

• Less amount of money spent on physical ICT infrastructures across Borough due to cloud hosting.

• The cost of IT personnel training and infrastructure maintenance is reduced as provider companies are responsible for the overhead costs.

• Payment is made for only the amount of usage of applications, software and other infrastructures which will give room for a better resource utilization and management.

• Significant decrease in cost of procurement, deployment and ICT upgrades across the Boroughs.

• Decrease in the cost of production of customized ICT equipment designed for UMP services. Frontline officers’ equipment; vehicles and mobile devices are less compact.

IV. CONCLUSION

The UMP cloud computing system shows a significant workload shift from the Scotland Yard, Boroughs and Units to a centralized and universal way of operation. Local computers and mobile devices no longer have to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to running applications as the network of computers and infrastructures that make up the cloud handles them instead. The idea of embedding data storage within the police offices is significantly reduced and mobility of frontline officers is improved. Offices basically needs cloud computing system's interface software to be installed on computers and devices which can be as simple as a Web browser. The Police Cloud technology presented in this paper does bring in an enhanced police service with all the variable characteristics. Operational cost will significantly be reduced as the areas that take up extra cost have been handled. A better foundation for expansion and strategic development is set while bringing the community closer.

V. CHALLENGES, RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE WORK

The biggest challenge police cloud system will be faced with is Security risk [13]. Due to the nature of the institution this factor is of uttermost importance as their duty also is to ensure security is maintained while they secure themselves too. Also the service requires a high level of internet access and connectivity for optimum operation. These can affect the data rate and overall system performance.

A sophisticated protocol which should be easy to implement and universal be established. Interoperability across different service provider companies should be integrated into the Cloud system to enhance cloud diversity.

Due to the sensitivity of the security organization in which this research was carried out on, there were some limitations to certain information which made it difficult to analyse further. More research could be carried out as to know how this models and services can be integrated according to their needs.

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