Background
Cumbria Police operates across one of the largest geographic footprints in the UK while being one of the smallest forces in terms of personnel. Officers increasingly rely on data-intensive tools – including laptops, smartphones, body-worn cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems – to prevent crime, protect communities and ensure officer safety.
Challenge
Outdated infrastructure and challenging rural geography frequently resulted in unreliable network coverage. This limited officers’ ability to access real-time intelligence, share live data with command teams, and respond quickly and effectively to incidents. Frontline responders experienced frustration when connectivity issues disrupted policing activity, particularly during large-scale events requiring coordinated, intelligence-led operations.
“Emergency responders shouldn’t have to worry about poor connectivity impacting their ability to carry out their duties. It is vital they have access to high-speed, reliable networks if they are to provide the best service possible to the public,” said Graham Everington, sales manager public sector, Ericsson.
Solution
Working in partnership, Ericsson and Axon equipped Cumbria Police vehicles with the Ericsson Cradlepoint R1900 router, delivering what they describe as secure, high-performance cellular connectivity directly into police cars.
The solution integrates with Axon’s connected ecosystem, including Axon Evidence and Axon Fusus, enabling live video, alerts and intelligence to flow directly between officers in the field and command teams. By connecting in-vehicle systems, cameras and ANPR technology into a single interoperable network, commanders can provide critical information to officers in real time, wherever they are operating.
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“By integrating live video and alerts directly into our Axon ecosystem, we’re helping officers respond faster, collaborate seamlessly, and stay safer in the field,” said Alex Lowe, senior director of sales, UK and Ireland, Axon.
More than 50 vehicles were fitted with the R1900 router, transforming each one into a mobile, connected policing hub.
Result
The introduction of reliable in-vehicle connectivity has enabled Cumbria Police to adopt a more proactive and intelligence-led approach to policing.
- Agile, mobile enforcement: ANPR cameras connected through the Ericsson and Axon solution can now automatically flag vehicles of interest in real time, wherever officers are operating. This has reduced unnecessary stops and allowed officers to focus on known offenders.
- Improved event policing: At major events such as Appleby Horse Fair, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, officers can identify high-risk individuals in advance and monitor live intelligence throughout the event.
- Stronger crime prevention: In 2024, officers made 123 arrests at Appleby Horse Fair, compared to a previous ten-year yearly average of 60 arrests. Early intervention prevented many incidents from escalating.
- Increased enforcement efficiency: Fixed Penalty Notices and Traffic Offence Reports increased from 220 in 2023 to 377 in 2025, demonstrating the operational value of connected, in-vehicle cameras.
- Higher morale and officer safety: Reliable connectivity and real-time intelligence have improved confidence among frontline responders, contributing to some of the highest morale levels reported across UK police forces.
By combining Ericsson’s cellular connectivity with Axon’s integrated digital policing ecosystem, Cumbria Police has strengthened its ability to prevent crime, respond faster to incidents and protect both officers and communities.
“Ericsson’s in-vehicle routers have been a game-changer, providing officers access to first-class technology and real-time intelligence,” said chief inspector Lee Skelton, Cumbria Police. “This enables precision policing, greater proactivity and faster responsiveness for victims and communities. Cumbria has become a significantly less attractive place for criminals as a result.”
