A digital project pioneered by Dyfed-Powys Police has been shortlisted for a national award.

It features alongside some of the most innovative projects in the public sector which will be showcased this month at the annual iESE Awards.

From 157 entries the nominees – 33 in total – range from crowd-funding community projects and events, to waste reduction campaigns and schemes preventing the need for care services.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said, “Policing the largest geographical force area in England and Wales presents unique challenges. Dyfed-Powys Police’s ambitious response to this challenge was to become a digital organisation and we are already a long way towards achieving that goal.

“Since 2014, the force has delivered a mobile data solution to more than 700 front line staff and a digital portal for electronic file submission which are fully integrated with back office systems. This builds on an unparalleled Automatic Number Plate Recognition system, accessed by officers through mobile data, a digital interview recording system and electronic briefing and tasking.”

The iESE awards – now in their eighth year – will be held on April 4 in London. Their aim is to recognise partnerships between public services, the use of new technology to improve customer access, culture change, transformation in waste and social care, and service re-design.

The shortlisted projects are helping the public sector, despite cuts in funding, to thrive and deliver even better outcomes for communities throughout the UK.

Dr Andrew Larner, Chief Executive of iESE, said, “The quality of entrants this year has been as high as ever, and those councils and emergency services who have been shortlisted are doing some really inspiring work to make sure public services are viable into the future.

“Local services have to change – we all know that. But saying it is one thing – developing innovative new ways to actually deliver it is an enormous challenge, and these councils and emergency services can be proud of leading the way.”